(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:
The applicant has attained the age of twenty-one years.
The applicant has graduated with the degree of doctor of optometry from a school orcollege 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.
The applicant has successfully passed the written examination of the National Boardof Examiners in Optometry. The board shall have the authority, upon its investigation and approval of the examination standards, to approve some body other than the National Board of Examiners in Optometry as the examining body.
The applicant does not have a substance use disorder, as defined in section 27-81102, or has not habitually or excessively used or abused alcohol, habit-forming drugs, or controlled substances as defined in section 18-18-102 (5).
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.
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.
Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1416, § 1, effective October 1. L. 2020: (2) amended, (HB 20-1326), ch. 126, p. 544, § 38, effective June 25; (1)(d) amended, (SB 20-007), ch. 286, p. 1412, § 36, effective July 13.
Editor's note: (1) This section is similar to former § 12-40-108 as it existed prior to 2019.
(2) Section 47(1)(b) of chapter 126 (HB 20-1326), Session Laws of Colorado 2020, provides that the act changing this section applies to conduct occurring on or after June 25, 2020.
Cross references: For the short title ("Red Tape Reduction Act") and the legislative declaration in HB 20-1326, see sections 1 and 2 of chapter 126, Session Laws of Colorado 2020.