Optometrists & Therapeutic Optometrists
Charged with enforcing the Texas Optometry Act (Texas Occupations Code § 351 et., al.), the Texas Optometry Board may investigate possible violations of the Act or Board Rules, commence disciplinary proceedings and order administrative sanctions. In accordance with Texas Optometry Act § 351.051, the Optometry Board may probate, suspend, or revoke an optometrist’s license for any of the following grounds of discipline:
- Incompetent Practice of Optometry
- Non-Therpaeutic Prescribing
- Addiction to Drugs or Alcohol
- Professional Misconduct
- Criminal Arrest(s), Charges or Convictions
- Unprofessional Conduct
Therapeutic Optometrists prescribing privileges are further regulated by Texas Occupations Code §§ 351.451 – 351.452 and 22 Texas Administrative Code § 280 et., al.
 The disciplinary process begins with a Complaint and Investigation of the optometrist’s alleged misconduct, Texas Optometry Act Subchapter E. Under Texas Optometry Act § 351.507, the Optometry Board may schedule an Informal Settlement Conference to resolve the matter without a formal hearing on the merits of the case. If the optometrist and the Optometry Board cannot agree on the appropriate administrative remedy, the optometrist is entitled to an Administrative Hearing pursuant to Texas Occupations Code § 351.507. |
