Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Optometry intends to consider amending 18VAC105-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Optometry. The purpose of the proposed action is to require continuing education that improves the knowledge and skills of optometrists in managing patient care and their practices. The proposed action is intended to (i) allow optometrists to carry over up to 50% of the hours earned in excess of the 16 hours required for annual renewal to the next renewal year; (ii) require that at least 50% of the hours be taken in live or real-time interactive courses; (iii) allow one hour per year of practice management; (iv) require therapeutic pharmaceutical agent-certified optometrists to have 50% of their hours in coursework relating to ocular and general pharmacology, diagnostics and therapeutics, or advanced clinical procedures; and (v) allow passage of the Continued Professional Development Examination in Optometry count for a portion of the annual continuing education requirement.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: December 30, 2015.

Agency Contact: Leslie L. Knachel, Executive Director, Board of Optometry, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4508, FAX (804) 527-4471, or email leslie.knachel@dhp.virginia.gov.