Optometry.

The Optometry Practice Act provides for the licensure and regulation of the practice of optometry by the State Board of Optometry. The act prohibits engaging in the practice of optometry without an optometrist license from the board. The act specifies that the practice of optometry includes the prevention and diagnosis of disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, and the treatment and management of certain disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system. Existing law requires an optometrist diagnosing or treating eye disease to be held to the same standard of care to which physicians and surgeons and osteopathic physicians and surgeons are held. Existing law specifies that a violation of the act is a misdemeanor punishable by fine or imprisonment, as provided. Existing law requires each licensed optometrist, before engaging in the practice of optometry, to notify the board in writing of the address or addresses where he or she is to engage in the practice of optometry and of any changes in his or her place of practice, after which a licensed optometrist is required to obtain a statement of licensure from the board to be placed in all practice locations other than an optometrist's principal place of practice. Existing law exempts a licensed optometrist who holds a branch office license from the requirement to obtain a statement of licensure to practice at that branch office. This bill would remove the exemption provided to a licensed optometrist who holds a branch office license from the requirement to obtain a statement of licensure to practice at that branch office. By expanding the scope of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. Existing law prohibits a person, singly or in combination with others, from having an office or other place for the practice of optometry, unless he or she is licensed to practice optometry. Existing law authorizes an optometrist, or 2 or more optometrists jointly, to have one office without obtaining a branch office license from the board, however, an optometrist, and 2 or more optometrists jointly, are prohibited from having more than one office unless he, she, or they comply with specified licensure provisions as to the additional office, which constitutes a branch office. This bill would remove those provisions relating to licensure of branch offices and would prohibit an optometrist, or 2 or more optometrists jointly, from having more than 11 offices. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.