(A) The board shall:

(1) determine the eligibility of applicants for examination and licensure as optometrists;

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 40-37-40

  • Board: means the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Optometry;

    (2) "Contact lens" means any device placed in contact with the eye for the purpose of correcting vision, therapy, or cosmetic alteration;

    (3) "Direct supervision" means supervision provided by a licensed optometrist who must:

    (a) be present in the department or facility where the supervisee is performing services;

    (b) be immediately available to assist the supervisee in the services being performed; and

    (c) maintain continued involvement in appropriate aspects of each treatment;

    (4) "Optical supplies" include, but are not limited to, contact lenses, ophthalmic lenses, ophthalmic frames;

    (5) "Basic certified optometrist" means an optometrist without education or training in the use of pharmaceutical agents and licensed to practice optometry without the use of pharmaceutical agents;

    (6) "Diagnostic certified optometrist" means an optometrist educated and trained in the use of pharmaceutical agents for diagnostic purposes only and licensed to practice optometry in conjunction with the use of pharmaceutical agents for diagnostic purposes only;

    (7) "Therapeutic certified optometrist" means an optometrist educated and trained in the use of pharmacological agents for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes and licensed to practice optometry with the use of pharmacological agents for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. See South Carolina Code 40-37-20

(2) prescribe the subjects, character, and manner of licensing examinations;

(3) adopt a code of professional ethics appropriate to the profession of optometry;

(4) evaluate and set criteria for continuing education course hours and programs;

(5) conduct hearings on alleged violations by licensees of this chapter or regulations promulgated under this chapter;

(6) discipline persons licensed under this chapter; and

(7) promulgate regulations in accordance with the South Carolina Administrative Procedures Act.

(B) The board may adopt an official seal and may adopt bylaws governing its proceedings.