Compact with Texans
The Compact with Texans provides information to the public, consumers, and customers regarding an agency’s mission, programs, principles and standards of customer service, helpful contact information, and procedures for receiving and responding to public complaints. Each agency is required to create a Compact with Texans and publish it on its website. The requirement for a compact is found in Section 2114.006 of the Government Code.
About the Agency
The Texas Optometry Board was created in 1921. The Board is a state regulatory agency charged with implementing and administering the Texas Optometry Act (Chapter 351, Texas Occupations Code). The Board’s governing statute substantially revised and the present name was adopted in 1969. The Board regulates the profession of optometry in Texas and is guided by its gubernatorial appointees (six licensed members and three public members).
The mission of the Texas Optometry Board is to promote, preserve, and protect the health, safety and economic welfare of the people of Texas through the regulation of the practice of optometry. This mission is derived from the duly enacted statutes governing the optometric profession and supersedes the interest of any individual or special interest group.
The Board strives to meet its mission by processing licensure applications for qualified applicants in a cost-effective and timely manner; investigating and resolving all written complaints regarding substandard practice and non-compliance; and serving as a source of information to the public, the profession, and governmental entities, as well as adhering to all mandated reporting requirements under state and federal law. The Board also refers complaints to other regulatory agencies, as appropriate, for investigation and resolution.
Licensing
The Board licenses optometrists and therapeutic optometrists by establishing educational and examination requirements for licensure, and requiring renewal of licensure with an appropriate amount of continuing education. The objective behind this function is to protect the public by maintaining a quality program of examination and licensure to ensure the initial and continuing professional character and competence of providers within the optometric profession regulated by the agency. The Board strives to process applications for licensure within 14 days of receipt of all required documents (a complete application).
Enforcement
The Board enforces the laws governing the practice of optometry in Texas by investigating and enforcing compliance with state and federal law. The objective behind this function is to protect the public by taking action to limit, restrict, or revoke the authority to practice if it is determined that a licensee poses a danger to the public.
The Board’s enforcement functions are most often accomplished through informal settlement of cases. However, if a case is unable to be settled informally, the case will proceed to a formal, contested resolution through the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
The Board strives to resolve investigations within six months, but the resolution of a complaint may take longer, depending on the circumstances. While numerous factors beyond the control of the agency staff and licensee under investigation affect complaint resolution time, case resolution time is diligently monitored and internal processes are routinely reviewed and often improved to ensure complaints are resolved as quickly as possible. Both the complainant and the licensee being investigated are notified periodically of the status of each investigation, and all complainants are notified of the final outcomes of investigations.
Customer Service
The Board is committed to providing quality customer service. In pursuit of that commitment, the Board will:
- Provide excellent and timely service to customers;
- Provide customers with accurate and timely information;
- Treat customers with courtesy and respect; and
- Strive for continuous improvement in all of the services delivered.
Open records requests are addressed within 10 business days from receipt and the responsive documents are provided within a reasonable amount of time, unless an Attorney General Opinion is sought through the Attorney General’s Office. If additional time is needed to provide the responsive information, the requestor is notified.
How to Contact the Board
Helpful Numbers:
Main Office Number: 512-305-8500
Request Information About How to File a Complaint Against a Licensee: 800-821-3205
Physical and Mailing Address:
Texas Optometry Board
1801 Congress Ave, Ste. 9.300
Austin, Texas 78701-1319
Complaints Against the Board (Process)
The Board is committed to listen to your requests, understand your concerns, to serve you well, and to be receptive to suggestions. The Board is also committed to following its governing laws and rules. Any complaint made against the Board will be thoroughly reviewed to determine the appropriate action, as outlined below. This complaint process does not replace applicable state laws and rules for licensure and enforcement, including the process required to appeal a decision issued in a specific licensure or enforcement case.
A complaint regarding the Board must be made in writing and include the complainant’s full name and contact information and explain the issue of concern. This will ensure that the Board has enough information to properly review the issue(s). The written complaint should be submitted by mail or email to:
Janice McCoy, Executive Director
Texas Optometry Board
George H.W. Bush State Office Building
1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 9.300
Austin, Texas 78701-1319