A. Every candidate successfully passing the examination shall be licensed by the Board if such candidate possesses the qualifications required by law and regulation to practice optometry.

B. In order to be qualified for licensure as an optometrist, every applicant shall demonstrate competency for certification to prescribe for and treat diseases or abnormal conditions of the human eye and its adnexa with therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPAs). Requirements for TPA certification shall include:

1. Satisfactory completion of such didactic and clinical training programs for the treatment of diseases and abnormal conditions of the eye and its adnexa as are determined to be reasonable and necessary by the Board to ensure an appropriate standard of medical care for patients; and

2. Passage of such examinations as are determined to be reasonable and necessary by the Board to ensure an appropriate standard of medical care for patients.

C. Every license to practice optometry granted under the provisions of this chapter shall be renewed at such time, in such manner, and upon payment of such fees as the Board may prescribe.

Code 1950, §§ 54-383, 54-393, 54-394; 1970, c. 341; 1976, c. 32; 1977, c. 161; 1979, c. 39; 1988, c. 765; 2023, c. 268.