CONTINUING EDUCATION 2022
Happy New Year from the Texas Optometry Board! We are excited about what is to come in 2022. To start off, we are going into 2022 with changes to the CE provider/course approval process and our partnership with CE Broker.
Revised Rule 275.1 states the following:
The Board has determined that the following providers who provide courses in subjects directly related to optometry may satisfy the criteria for acceptable continuing education hours and may be given automatic approval:
(A) Courses sponsored by an optometry college or school accredited by the American Optometric Council on Education (ACOE);
(B) Courses sponsored by the American Optometric Association (AOA) or an affiliate of the AOA;
(C) Courses sponsored by the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) or an affiliate of AAO;
(D) Courses accredited by the Council on Optometric Provider Education (COPE);
(E) Courses sponsored and or approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission;
(F) Courses sponsored by the American Board of Optometry;
(G) Courses approved by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (AACME); and
(H) Courses in professional responsibility given by a board accredited in-state college or school of optometry may be given approval if the course:
(i) is made available as a live course in this state and on the internet; and
(ii) includes the study of professional ethics, the Texas Optometry Act and Board Rules, judicious prescribing of dangerous drugs, pain management, or drug abuse by professionals.
(2) Notwithstanding the automatic approvals contemplated in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Board shall be entitled to reject individual courses.
Licensees must also create an account with CE Broker. All course information already entered will be transitioned to the CE Broker platform by February 1, 2022. No need to resubmit what you have already provided. Here is additional information: Licensee Info
See also CE Broker FAQ for Licensees
CUSTOMER SERVICE SURVEY
The Texas Optometry Board strives to provide licensing, enforcement, and other regulatory services to the public in an honest, fair, thorough, cost-efficient, and timely manner. In order to assist the agency with improving its services. Please take a moment and respond to this brief survey – Click Here
Case Review Consultants Needed
The Texas Optometry Board is seeking case review consultants to carry out duties set out in SB993 of the 87th Regular Legislative Session. Click on the application and follow the instructions.
As of Monday, March 22, 2021, Optometrists may register to be a provider of the COVID-19 vaccine. For more information, Click Here.
Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-34
On March 2nd, 2021, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-34 relating to the opening of Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster. The Order takes effect on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.
E-Prescribing
Effective Jan. 1, 2021, House Bill 2174 (86th R) requires Texas prescribers to electronically prescribe all controlled substances (Schedules II-V) unless an exception applies or a waiver is granted. An optometrist may apply for a waiver from the electronic prescribing requirement by making a written request to the TOB and providing required information that demonstrates circumstances necessitating a waiver. Approved reasons for a waiver include economic hardship, technological limitations not reasonably within the control of the licensee and other exceptional circumstances.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
It is recommended that optometrists follow Infection Control Guidance for Healthcare Professionals recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, OHSA Guidance, and state/local guidance/orders.
Telehealth Information
Board Rule 279.16 Telehealth Services outlines telehealth requirements for all Texas licensed optometrists.
Live Continuing Education Requirements
The Board approves Live Webinars for live CE Credit. A live webinar allows interaction between the presenter and attendees. Courses are listed on the Board’s website with the location listed as “Live Webinar.” Note that live credit may only be obtained by attending the course on the dates listed. There may be COPE approved Live Webinars that are not listed but will be subsequently approved by the Board for live credit.
Optometry Board Staff Information
Staff works on a hybrid in-office/telecommute schedule.
Please use the following email addresses to contact the different Board departments by e-mail:
Executive Director: Kelly.Parker@tob.texas.gov
Licensing: Licensinginfo@tob.texas.gov
Continuing Education: Info@tob.texas.gov
General Inquiries: Info@tob.texas.gov
Who is my optometrist?
He is a Doctor of Optometry licensed and educated to determine powers of vision and write contact lens and eyeglass prescriptions. She most likely is licensed as a Therapeutic Optometrist and an Optometric Glaucoma Specialist.
Your Therapeutic Optometrist treats eye disorders and disease, prescribes medication, and may provide pre and post-op care for laser surgery.
Your Optometric Glaucoma Specialist is a Therapeutic Optometrist licensed to treat glaucoma.
What is the Optometry Board?
The Texas Optometry Board is a state agency authorized by the Texas Optometry Act to regulate the practice of optometry. The Optometry Act requires the Board to carefully screen applicants for an optometry license, insure that optometrists are eligible to renew their license on an annual basis, set fees, and investigate complaints. The Board has adopted rules to explain and enforce state law.
Finding Information
Use the “Quicklinks” or the top pull-down menus to find the information you need.
