(A) The state vision professionals board, by an affirmative vote of a majority of its members, shall issue certificates under its seal as follows:

(1) Every applicant who, prior to May 19, 1992, passed the licensing examination then in effect, and who otherwise complies with sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code shall receive from the board a certificate of licensure authorizing the holder to engage in the practice of optometry as provided in division (A)(1) of section 4725.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) Every applicant who, prior to May 19, 1992, passed the general and ocular pharmacology examination then in effect, and who otherwise complies with sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code, shall receive from the board a separate topical ocular pharmaceutical agents certificate authorizing the holder to administer topical ocular pharmaceutical agents as provided in division (A)(2) of section 4725.01 of the Revised Code and in accordance with sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code.

(3) Every applicant who holds a valid certificate of licensure issued prior to May 19, 1992, and meets the requirements of section 4725.14 of the Revised Code shall receive from the board a separate therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certificate authorizing the holder to engage in the practice of optometry as provided in division (A)(3) of section 4725.01 of the Revised Code.

(4) Every applicant who, on or after May 19, 1992, passes all parts of the licensing examination accepted by the board under section 4725.11 of the Revised Code and otherwise complies with the requirements of sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code shall receive from the board a certificate of licensure authorizing the holder to engage in the practice of optometry as provided in division (A)(1) of section 4725.01 of the Revised Code and a separate therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certificate authorizing the holder to engage in the practice of optometry as provided in division (A)(3) of that section.

(B) Each person to whom a certificate is issued pursuant to this section by the board shall keep the certificate displayed in a conspicuous place in the location at which that person practices optometry and shall whenever required exhibit the certificate to any member or agent of the board. If an optometrist practices outside of or away from the location at which the optometrist's certificate of licensure is displayed, the optometrist shall deliver to each person examined or fitted with optical accessories by the optometrist, a receipt signed by the optometrist in which the optometrist shall set forth the amounts charged, the optometrist's post-office address, and the number assigned to the optometrist's certificate of licensure. The information may be provided as part of a prescription given to the person.

(C) A person who, on May 19, 1992, holds a valid certificate of licensure or topical ocular pharmaceutical agents certificate issued by the board may continue to engage in the practice of optometry as provided by the certificate of licensure or topical ocular pharmaceutical agents certificate if the person continues to comply with sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code as required by the certificate of licensure or topical ocular pharmaceutical agents certificate.

Amended by 132nd General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 49, §130.11, eff. 1/21/2018.

Effective Date: 03-09-1999 .