1
OPTOMETRY CALIFORNIA LAW EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025
What are the CE requirements for an OD in California? - ANSWER-1. 50 hours of CE every 2
years
2. 35 of the 50 hours must be in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular disease
in any combination of glaucoma, ocular infections, inflammation and topical steroids,
systemic meds, and pain meds.
What is the Federal-Stark Law against self-referrals? - ANSWER-It is unlawful to refer to a
health care provider in which practitioner or immediate family members have a financial
interest. Referral or consultation from an organization in which licensee has financial interest
with is permitted if financial interest is disclosed in writing.
What constitutes "significant financial interest?" - ANSWER-$5,000 or 5% of the whole
What are the 4 requirements for an optometrist to be certified for the administration of
immunizations - ANSWER-1. complete an immunization training program endorsed by the
federal CDC that includes hands-on injection technique, clinical evaluation of indications and
contraindications of vaccines, and the recognition of emergency reactions to vaccines, and
maintains that training.
2. Complies with all state and federal record keeping and reporting requirements,
including providing documentation to the patient's PCP and entering information in the
appropriate immunization registry designated by the immunization branch of the state
department.
3. Is certified in basic life support.
4. Applies for immunization certificate on board approved form
What 3 immunizations are able to be administered by an optometrist for patients 18 years of
age or older? - ANSWER-1. influenza
2. herpes zoster virus
3. pneumococcus
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,2
True/false: when treating steroid-induced glaucoma, the optometrist must inform prescriber
of steroid if the prescriber of the steroid did not refer patient to the optometrist. - ANSWER-
true
true/false: in an emergency, and OD can stabilize and then immediately refer a patient with
an acute angle closure attack to an OMD - ANSWER-true
Requirements for glaucoma certification to treat glaucoma patients over 18 years of age -
ANSWER-Requirements for Glaucoma Certification- effective as of January 8, 2011.
1. Hold an active license as an optometrist in California
2. Be TPA certified
3. Complete a 24-hour didactic course in the diagnosis, pharmacological and other
treatment of glaucoma if graduated prior to May 1, 2000. This requirement is waived for
those graduating after this date.
4. Complete a case management requirement of a minimum of 25 patients each
prospectively treated for minimum of 12 consecutive months. This requirement may be
satisfied by any one or combination of the following:
--16 hour case management course through accredited CA school
--16 hours grand rounds
--completing a preceptorship progra
5. Licensees that are glaucoma certified shall be required to complete 10 hours of
glaucoma specific CE every license renewal period. These 10 hours shall be part of the
required 35 hours on diagnosis, treatment and management of ocular disease
*Licensees graduating from an accredited school or college of optometry after May 2008 are
exempt from didactic course and case management requirement.
True/false: CPR certification is required by an OD - ANSWER-false
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,3
A person located outside CA may ship, mail, or deliver in any manner, replacement CL at
retail to a pt in CA if registered with the State Board of Optometry of CA and if pursuant to a
valid Rx. When CLs are
supplied in this manner, what must be done? - ANSWER-The pt must be warned to consult
with the prescribing Dr if any eye problem occurs
Nonresident CL sellers must provide what 3 things that are dedicated to providers and their
authorized agents for Rx verification? - ANSWER-1. toll-free phone #
2. fax #
3. email address
It shall be practice to publish, advertise or otherwise represent that CL may be
obtained w/o confirmation of a valid Rx. - ANSWER-deceptive marketing
What are the conditions required for sale of CLs? - ANSWER-Must have receipt of written Rx
or copy of written Rx and be sold in quantities consistent with the Rx ep date and std
manufacturer/vendor packaging
If a written Rx for CLs is not available, what can be done? - ANSWER- the seller must
communicate by phone, fax, or email with the prescriber prior to selling, shipping, mailing or
delivering any lens
Upon receiving an rx verification from a seller, how long does a prescriber have to confirm,
alter, or deny the request. - ANSWER-one
business day or 2pm of the next business day, whichever is sooner (Federal law requires 8
business hrs)
T/F. A seller can alter any aspects of the CL specs or substitute a different manufacturer,
brand, or other physical property of the lens. - ANSWER-False- they can't
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, 4
What is the definition of a dispensing optician? - ANSWER-individuals, corporations, or firms
who either singly or in combination w/ others, take facial measurements, and fit and adjust
lenses and frames.
T/F. Dispensing opticians must be registered with the State Board of Optometry. - ANSWER-
True
T/F. It is permissible for a registered dispensing optician to advertise the furnishing of, or to
furnish, the services of an OD or a physician and surgeon, to directly employ an OD pr
physician and surgeon for the purpose of any exam or treatment of the eyes, or to duplicate
or change lenses w/ o a Rx or order from a person licensed to issue the same. - ANSWER-
False- it is unlawful for opticians to do these things
All licensed optometrists in a setting w/ a registered dispensing optician shall report the
business relationship to whom? - ANSWER-the State Board of Optometry
Any health plan that previously employed ODs must prove that they no longer employ an OD
by what date? - ANSWER-Jan 1 2019
T/F. There is no prohibition against the sale of "plano" goggles, sunglasses, colored lenses, or
occupational protective eyewear. - ANSWER-True
Who may fit and adjust spectacle lenses or contact lenses? - ANSWER- Only a registered
spectacle lens or contact lens dispenser or an individual under the direct responsibility and
supervision of a registerd dispenser
To be licensed, what does a CL fitter/dispenser have to do? - ANSWER- pass the CL Registry
Exam given by the Ntl Committee of CL Examiners
T/F. It is unlawful to make false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive statments or claims such
as misrepresentation of fact, failure to disclose material facts, create false or unjustified
expectations of favorable results, presenting fees w/o fully and specifically disclosing all
variables, and making other representations or implications which cause an ordinary prudent
person to misunderstand or be deceived. - ANSWER- true
P a g e 4 | 87
OPTOMETRY CALIFORNIA LAW EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025
What are the CE requirements for an OD in California? - ANSWER-1. 50 hours of CE every 2
years
2. 35 of the 50 hours must be in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular disease
in any combination of glaucoma, ocular infections, inflammation and topical steroids,
systemic meds, and pain meds.
What is the Federal-Stark Law against self-referrals? - ANSWER-It is unlawful to refer to a
health care provider in which practitioner or immediate family members have a financial
interest. Referral or consultation from an organization in which licensee has financial interest
with is permitted if financial interest is disclosed in writing.
What constitutes "significant financial interest?" - ANSWER-$5,000 or 5% of the whole
What are the 4 requirements for an optometrist to be certified for the administration of
immunizations - ANSWER-1. complete an immunization training program endorsed by the
federal CDC that includes hands-on injection technique, clinical evaluation of indications and
contraindications of vaccines, and the recognition of emergency reactions to vaccines, and
maintains that training.
2. Complies with all state and federal record keeping and reporting requirements,
including providing documentation to the patient's PCP and entering information in the
appropriate immunization registry designated by the immunization branch of the state
department.
3. Is certified in basic life support.
4. Applies for immunization certificate on board approved form
What 3 immunizations are able to be administered by an optometrist for patients 18 years of
age or older? - ANSWER-1. influenza
2. herpes zoster virus
3. pneumococcus
P a g e 1 | 87
,2
True/false: when treating steroid-induced glaucoma, the optometrist must inform prescriber
of steroid if the prescriber of the steroid did not refer patient to the optometrist. - ANSWER-
true
true/false: in an emergency, and OD can stabilize and then immediately refer a patient with
an acute angle closure attack to an OMD - ANSWER-true
Requirements for glaucoma certification to treat glaucoma patients over 18 years of age -
ANSWER-Requirements for Glaucoma Certification- effective as of January 8, 2011.
1. Hold an active license as an optometrist in California
2. Be TPA certified
3. Complete a 24-hour didactic course in the diagnosis, pharmacological and other
treatment of glaucoma if graduated prior to May 1, 2000. This requirement is waived for
those graduating after this date.
4. Complete a case management requirement of a minimum of 25 patients each
prospectively treated for minimum of 12 consecutive months. This requirement may be
satisfied by any one or combination of the following:
--16 hour case management course through accredited CA school
--16 hours grand rounds
--completing a preceptorship progra
5. Licensees that are glaucoma certified shall be required to complete 10 hours of
glaucoma specific CE every license renewal period. These 10 hours shall be part of the
required 35 hours on diagnosis, treatment and management of ocular disease
*Licensees graduating from an accredited school or college of optometry after May 2008 are
exempt from didactic course and case management requirement.
True/false: CPR certification is required by an OD - ANSWER-false
P a g e 2 | 87
,3
A person located outside CA may ship, mail, or deliver in any manner, replacement CL at
retail to a pt in CA if registered with the State Board of Optometry of CA and if pursuant to a
valid Rx. When CLs are
supplied in this manner, what must be done? - ANSWER-The pt must be warned to consult
with the prescribing Dr if any eye problem occurs
Nonresident CL sellers must provide what 3 things that are dedicated to providers and their
authorized agents for Rx verification? - ANSWER-1. toll-free phone #
2. fax #
3. email address
It shall be practice to publish, advertise or otherwise represent that CL may be
obtained w/o confirmation of a valid Rx. - ANSWER-deceptive marketing
What are the conditions required for sale of CLs? - ANSWER-Must have receipt of written Rx
or copy of written Rx and be sold in quantities consistent with the Rx ep date and std
manufacturer/vendor packaging
If a written Rx for CLs is not available, what can be done? - ANSWER- the seller must
communicate by phone, fax, or email with the prescriber prior to selling, shipping, mailing or
delivering any lens
Upon receiving an rx verification from a seller, how long does a prescriber have to confirm,
alter, or deny the request. - ANSWER-one
business day or 2pm of the next business day, whichever is sooner (Federal law requires 8
business hrs)
T/F. A seller can alter any aspects of the CL specs or substitute a different manufacturer,
brand, or other physical property of the lens. - ANSWER-False- they can't
P a g e 3 | 87
, 4
What is the definition of a dispensing optician? - ANSWER-individuals, corporations, or firms
who either singly or in combination w/ others, take facial measurements, and fit and adjust
lenses and frames.
T/F. Dispensing opticians must be registered with the State Board of Optometry. - ANSWER-
True
T/F. It is permissible for a registered dispensing optician to advertise the furnishing of, or to
furnish, the services of an OD or a physician and surgeon, to directly employ an OD pr
physician and surgeon for the purpose of any exam or treatment of the eyes, or to duplicate
or change lenses w/ o a Rx or order from a person licensed to issue the same. - ANSWER-
False- it is unlawful for opticians to do these things
All licensed optometrists in a setting w/ a registered dispensing optician shall report the
business relationship to whom? - ANSWER-the State Board of Optometry
Any health plan that previously employed ODs must prove that they no longer employ an OD
by what date? - ANSWER-Jan 1 2019
T/F. There is no prohibition against the sale of "plano" goggles, sunglasses, colored lenses, or
occupational protective eyewear. - ANSWER-True
Who may fit and adjust spectacle lenses or contact lenses? - ANSWER- Only a registered
spectacle lens or contact lens dispenser or an individual under the direct responsibility and
supervision of a registerd dispenser
To be licensed, what does a CL fitter/dispenser have to do? - ANSWER- pass the CL Registry
Exam given by the Ntl Committee of CL Examiners
T/F. It is unlawful to make false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive statments or claims such
as misrepresentation of fact, failure to disclose material facts, create false or unjustified
expectations of favorable results, presenting fees w/o fully and specifically disclosing all
variables, and making other representations or implications which cause an ordinary prudent
person to misunderstand or be deceived. - ANSWER- true
P a g e 4 | 87
