(1)A
person who desires to practice optometry in the state may file with the board an
application for a license, giving the information required in a form and manner
approved by the board. The applicant shall demonstrate that the applicant
possesses the following qualifications:
(a)The applicant has attained the age of twenty-one years.
(b)The applicant has graduated with the degree of doctor of optometry from
a school or college of optometry accredited by a regional or professional
accreditation organization that is recognized or approved by the Council for Higher
Education Accreditation or the United States secretary of education. The board has
the authority, upon its investigation and approval of the standards thereof, to
approve any other college of optometry.
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(1) A
person who desires to practice optometry in the state may file with the board an
application for a license, giving the information required in a form and manner
approved by the board. The applicant shall demonstrate that the applicant
possesses the following qualifications:
(a) The applicant has attained the age of twenty-one years.
(b) The applicant has graduated with the degree of doctor of optometry from
a school or college of optometry accredited by a regional or professional
accreditation organization that is recognized or approved by the Council for Higher
Education Accreditation or the United States secretary of education. The board has
the authority, upon its investigation and approval of the standards thereof, to
approve any other college of optometry.
(c) The applicant has successfully passed a standardized national
examination approved by the board that tests the qualifications of the applicant to
practice optometry in the state.
(d) The applicant does not have a substance use disorder, as defined in
section 27-81-102, or has not habitually or excessively used or abused alcohol,
habit-forming drugs, or controlled substances as defined in section 18-18-102 (5).
(e) After July 1, 1988, the applicant has satisfied the requirements of section
12-275-113 or equivalent requirements approved by the board, including passing a
standardized national examination in the treatment and management of ocular
disease.
(f) After July 1, 1996, the applicant has satisfied the requirements of section
12-275-113 (4) or equivalent requirements approved by the board, including passing
a standardized national examination in the treatment and management of ocular
disease.
(2) The board may issue a license by endorsement to engage in the practice
of optometry to an applicant who satisfies the requirements of the occupational
credential portability program.
(3) A licensee licensed under this section who performs laser procedures or
treats ocular adnexa shall demonstrate competency and complete one of the
following education and examination requirements prior to performing these
procedures:
(a) Graduate from an accredited college or university of optometry in 2019 or
later where the laser procedures and ocular adnexa treatments were taught and
demonstrate passage of the standardized national examination approved by the
board pursuant to subsection (1)(c) of this section; or
(b) Complete a training course approved by the board and satisfactorily
complete a proctored clinical session within two years prior to performing laser
procedures or treating ocular adnexa. Proctoring may be performed by an
optometrist or ophthalmologist licensed to perform the procedures in any
jurisdiction.
(4) If a licensee has not performed a laser procedure within the past two
years, the licensee shall satisfactorily complete another proctored clinical session
prior to performing any laser procedures.
(5) A licensee performing the procedures described in subsection (3) of this
section shall report to the board any adverse outcomes following each procedure.
The licensee shall deliver such reports and any corresponding patient records to
the board office within ten days after the date that the licensee is aware of the
adverse outcome.
(6) A licensee shall maintain documentation evidencing completion of the
requirements of subsections (3), (4), and (5) of this section and shall provide the
documentation to the board upon request. Performing any of the procedures
described in subsection (3) of this section without meeting the requirements of
subsections (3), (4), and (5) of this section may subject the licensee to discipline by
the board pursuant to section 12-275-122.
(7) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the requirements of subsections
(3), (4), (5), and (6) of this section do not apply to a licensee's performance of the
procedures and treatments specified in section 12-275-103 (1)(b)(I), (1)(b)(V),
(1)(b)(VI), and (1)(b)(VII).