Board of Optometry

Total public member:                5          

Method of Appointment:           Appointed by Mayor, confirmed by Council     

Length of Appointment:           3 years

Residency:                               DC Residency Required

Paid board:                              No (all roles are voluntary)

Description:

The Board shall regulate the practice of optometry.  The Board shall grant applications by licensed optometrists for certification to administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents for applicants who demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board that they have: (1) Successfully completed a Board-approved course in general and ocular pharmacology as it relates to the practice of optometry, that consists of at least 55 classroom hours, including a minimum of 10 classroom hours of clinical laboratory, offered or approved by an accredited institution of higher education; and (2) Passed an examination administered or approved by the Board on general and ocular pharmacology designed to test knowledge of the proper use, characteristics, pharmacological effects, indications, contraindications, and emergency care associated with the use of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents.  The Board shall grant applications for certification to administer therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to applicants who demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board that they have: (1) Been certified by the Board to use diagnostic pharmaceutical agents;  (2) Successfully completed a Board-approved course in the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents as it relates to the practice of optometry, offered by an accredited institution of higher learning; and (3) Passed an examination administered or approved by the Board on the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents.

Commission membership: 

• 4 optometrists licensed in the District
• 1 consumer member

Qualifications:  

The professional members must be licensed to practice in the District. Each professional member shall have been engaged in the practice for at least 3 years preceding appointment. The consumer member shall not be a health professional or in training to become a health professional, and shall not have a household member who is a health professional or is in training to become a health professional.

Time commitment:  

The Board meets monthly; subcommittees meet as required to complete tasks.

If you are interested in an appointment to this board, please complete the appointment application. A member of our team will contact you to discuss the opportunity.