The Board of Optometry regulates the practice of optometry in DC. The Board advises the Mayor and enforces the law. The Board also evaluates applicants' qualifications and administers exams, recommends standards and procedures, and issues licenses. The Board receives and reviews complaints; requests investigations; conducts hearings, issues subpoenas, examines witnesses, and administers oaths; and issues an annual report.
The Mayor appoints the board members, including the chair. The Board consists of five DC residents: four optometrists (who have been engaged in practice for at least three years) and one consumer. The consumer is at least 18 years old, not a health professional or in training to become one, and may have no household members involved in providing health care. Licenses expire on September 30 of odd years.
