Section 15. Licensure by endorsement

A. An applicant for licensure by endorsement shall meet the requirements for TPA certification in 18VAC105-20-16, pay the fee as prescribed in 18VAC105-20-20, and file a completed application that certifies the following:

1. The applicant has successfully passed the examination required for licensure in optometry in any jurisdiction of the United States at the time of initial licensure.

2. The applicant has been engaged in active clinical practice for at least 36 months out of the last 60 months immediately preceding application.

3. The applicant is not a respondent in a pending or unresolved malpractice claim.

4. The applicant is currently licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States.

5. Each jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed shall verify that:

a. The license is current and unrestricted, or if the license has lapsed, it is eligible for reinstatement;

b. All continuing education requirements have been completed, if applicable;

c. The applicant is not a respondent in any pending or unresolved board action;

d. The applicant has not committed any act that would constitute a violation of § 54.1-3204 or 54.1-3215 of the Code of Virginia; and

e. The applicant has graduated from an accredited school or college of optometry.

B. The applicant shall also provide proof of competency in the use of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents (DPAs) that shall consist of a report from the national board of passing scores on all sections of Parts I and II of the NBEO examination taken in May 1985 or thereafter. If the applicant does not qualify through examination, he shall provide other proof of meeting the requirements for the use of DPA as provided in §§ 54.1-3220 and 54.1-3221 of the Code of Virginia.

C. As part of the application for licensure, an applicant must sign a statement attesting that he has read, understands, and will comply with the statutes and regulations governing the practice of optometry in Virginia.

D. In the case of a federal service optometrist, the commanding officer shall also verify that the applicant is in good standing and provide proof of credentialing and quality assurance review to satisfy compliance with applicable requirements of subsection A of this section.

E. An optometrist previously licensed in Virginia is not eligible for licensure by endorsement but may apply for reinstatement of licensure under 18VAC105-20-60.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 15, Issue 06, eff. January 6, 1999; amended, Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 07, eff. January 15, 2003; Volume 22, Issue 04, eff. November 30, 2005; Volume 22, Issue 20, eff. July 12, 2006; Volume 31, Issue 07, eff. January 15, 2015.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-3223 of the Code of Virginia.