54.1-3211 - Examination. - Virginia Statutes

§ 54.1-3211. Examination.

The Board shall set the necessary standards to be attained in theexaminations to entitle the candidate to receive a license to practiceoptometry.

The examination shall be given at least semiannually if there are anycandidates who have applied to the Board for examination at least 30 daysbefore the date for the examination.

The examination shall include anatomy; physiology; pathology; general andocular pharmacology designed to test knowledge of the proper use,characteristics, pharmacological effects, indications, contraindications andemergency care associated with the use of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents;and the use of the appropriate instruments.

The Board may determine a score that it considers satisfactory on any writtenexamination of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. The Board maywaive its examination for a person who achieves a satisfactory score on theexamination of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry.

Those persons licensed on or before June 30, 1997, to practice optometry inthis state but not certified to administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agentsmay continue to practice optometry but may not administer diagnosticpharmaceutical agents without satisfying the requirements of this section.Those persons licensed after June 30, 1997, shall be considered as certifiedto administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents. After June 30, 2004, everyperson who is initially licensed to practice optometry in Virginia shall meetthe qualifications for a TPA-certified optometrist.

(Code 1950, §§ 54-380 through 54-382; 1972, c. 824; 1973, c. 90; 1988, c.765; 1996, cc. 365, 436; 2004, c. 744.)