The Texas Optometry Board is the state agency authorized to regulate the practice of optometry in Texas. The Board screens applicants for an optometry license, reviews eligibility for license renewal requests, sets fees, and investigates complaints against optometrists.
Texas Optometry Board Action Plan
In its strategic plan for fiscal years 2019 to 2023, the Board lays out
- Manage a quality program of examination and licensure.
- Enforce the Texas Optometry Act.
- Implement a strategy focused on licensure and enforcement.
The agency’s stated goal is: “To manage a quality program of examination and licensure to ensure the initial and continuing competency of optometrists and to enforce the optometry statutes to ensure that the public is protected from incompetent services, fraud, and misrepresentation.”
Specific action items are to be taken to further achieve the Board’s goals. The specific actions to be taken include:
- Timely and cost-effectively issue licenses and conduct investigations.
- Investigate complaints and discipline licensees and others who are in violation of Board rules or other state laws.
- Provide accurate information to the public, patients, applicants, and licensees regarding compliance with the Texas Optometry Act.
- Verify the education and fitness of applicants for license by testing the knowledge, treatment skills, and decision-making of applicants.
- Verify continued competency and fitness of licensees upon renewal by regulating continuing education requirements, investigating a licensee’s criminal history and other state disciplinary action, and ensuring compliance with basic competency requirements of the Texas Optometry Act.
The Texas Optometry Board, though it has met performance measures to date, is anticipating an increased number of applicants for licensure and an increase in licensees. In its strategic plan, the Board notes that the anticipated increases will present challenges. The Board plans to meet these challenges through continual evaluation of programs, research, and increased use of technology.
Defending Optometrists Against Complaints
One of the functions of the Texas Optometry Board is to investigate complaints against licensees. If, after the investigation, the Board finds that a violation of optometry laws occurred, then it may impose disciplinary action, including license revocation, suspension, probation, a formal reprimand, a letter of noncompliance, and/or administrative penalties.
If you have been notified of a complaint filed against you with the Texas Optometry Board, BERTOLINO LLP can help. We are experienced Optometry Board license defense attorneys and we know how to navigate the Board’s complaint process. We are prepared to represent you at any legal hearing or proceeding regarding your professional license.
Our Firm believes that immediately consulting an experienced license defense attorney to review allegations of misconduct helps ensure the most favorable outcome in your case. Our results speak for themselves.
BERTOLINO LLP represents licensed professionals across the entire State of Texas. If you are facing disciplinary action from a professional licensing board, contact us today or call (512) 887-7305 and schedule a case evaluation.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
