Board of Optometry

Members

The composition of the optometry board includes five optometrists appointed by the governor. Only optometrists who are residents of this state, having been licensed to practice and practicing optometry in this state for a period of at least four years immediately preceding the effective date of appointment, and who have no connection with any optical supply business may be appointed.

Powers and Duties

• Develop and administer, or approve, or both, a licensure examination. The board may approve an examination prepared or administered by a private testing agency or association of licensing authorities.
• The board adopts rules and regulations to promote safety, protection, and the welfare of the public, to aid the board in the performance of its powers and duties, and to govern the practice of optometry.

Compensation and travel expenses

• Reasonable allowances will be provided to cover reasonable and necessary subsistence and lodging expenses while engaged in official business.
• Transportation expenses will be reimbursed or paid based on the method deemed most advantageous or economical to the state.
• Each member is eligible to receive compensation in an amount not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars for each day during which the member attends an official meeting of the group or performs statutorily prescribed duties approved by the chairperson of the group. 

Board participation expectation guidelines

These guidelines are a reference for current members and prospective appointees:

• Attend regular board meetings, scheduled four times per year on Fridays during business hours during the months of March, June, September, and December.
• Prepare for regular meetings by reading materials sent one to two weeks in advance of the scheduled meeting date. The packets take an average of two to four hours to read.
• Participate on disciplinary panels by telephone several times per year. These calls take less than one hour.
• Evaluate and make recommendations on disciplinary cases. Participate in calls with staff attorneys and board staff as needed to develop recommendations. Time spent on disciplinary cases depends on the nature and number of cases assigned to that board member. Each case can take from one to several hours.
• Participate on hearing panels from one to several days approximately once per year. A panel of three board members is generally used to hear disciplinary cases.
• Mentor newly appointed board members as necessary.

Total annual time commitment

• Meetings: Four days per year. Two to four hours of preparation and follow-up per meeting.
• Disciplinary calls: Eighteen to twenty per year. Preparation and attendance are usually less than one hour per call.
• Disciplinary case review: One to several hours per complaint assigned.
• Hearing panels: One to several days per year.

Become a Board, Commission or Committee Member.

Name and term expiration date of members

All meetings start at 9 a.m. unless noted and are subject to change

2024

• October 11 (PDF)
• June 14 (PDF)
• March 1 (PDF)

2023

• December 1 (PDF)
• September 8 (PDF)
• June 9 (PDF)
• March 10 (PDF)