State Optometry Boards

State Optometry Boards are vital regulatory entities in the United States whose central purpose is to promote and protect the vision health and welfare of the public. They achieve this by rigorously licensing Doctors of Optometry (ODs) and other optometric professionals. This licensing process ensures that practitioners meet minimum standards of competence, requiring them to graduate from accredited optometry schools, pass national examinations like those administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO), and satisfy state-specific jurisprudence and clinical requirements. These boards also define the legal scope of practice - which varies state-to-state and often includes prescribing medications and treating various eye diseases - and enforce continuing education mandates to maintain currency of skills.

The importance of this oversight is undeniable given the significant risks posed by unlicensed practitioners. Individuals operating without a proper license lack the verified training necessary to accurately diagnose and manage complex ocular conditions. Treatment by unqualified personnel can lead to misdiagnosis or failure to detect serious, sight-threatening diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, where timely intervention is critical. Furthermore, an unlicensed person may prescribe incorrect lenses or improperly use therapeutic agents, resulting in worsened vision, eye damage, or systemic complications. State Optometry Boards, through their control over licensure and disciplinary action against misconduct, serve as essential guardians, ensuring that every patient receives safe, qualified, and comprehensive primary eye care.

Use the resources below to learn more about the work of your State Optometry Board.