(a) The Board of Optometric Scholarship Awards shall have power and authority to make reasonable rules and regulations not inconsistent with the laws of this state, as may be necessary for the regulation of its proceedings and for the discharge of the duties imposed upon it. The board shall receive and review all applications for scholarship loans and awards; shall make a careful and thorough investigation of the ability and character and qualifications of each applicant; and shall be responsible for the further administration of the scholarship program subject to the provisions of this article.
(b) Any appropriation made to the Board of Optometric Scholarship Awards or otherwise received by the board remaining at the end of any fiscal year shall remain with the board and shall not revert to any other fund.