CALIFORNIA OPTOMETRY LAW EXAM 2026 | ALL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS | ALREADY GRADED A+ | PROFESSOR VERIFIED
Question 1
Under California Law, a licensed optometrist must notify the State Board of Optometry of any
changes to their mailing address within how many days?
A) 10 days
B) 15 days
C) 30 days
D) 45 days
E) 60 days
Correct Answer: C) 30 days
Rationale: According to the California Business and Professions Code, any person holding a
license issued by the Board must report a change in mailing address within 30 days. This
ensures the Board can maintain accurate contact records for regulatory and legal
correspondence.
Question 2
To which of the following groups is it strictly prohibited to dispense, prescribe, or sell eyeglasses
that are NOT made of shatter-resistant lenses?
A) A person over the age of 65
B) A commercial truck driver
C) A law enforcement officer
D) A professional athlete
E) A college student
Correct Answer: C) law enforcement officer
Rationale: California law mandates shatter-resistant lenses for high-risk categories to
ensure safety. These categories include one-eyed persons, law enforcement officers, firemen,
and minors (under 18 years old).
Question 3
Which of the following frames is prohibited for use when dispensing eyeglasses to a person
under the age of 18?
A) Metal frames
B) Frames made of flammable materials
C) Rimless frames
D) Semi-rimless frames
E) Titanium frames
Correct Answer: B) non-flammable frames
Rationale: Specifically for minors, law enforcement, firemen, and the monocular, frames
must be non-flammable in addition to the lenses being shatter-resistant. This is a safety
measure to prevent burns or secondary injuries during accidents.
, 2
Question 4
An optometrist is generally NOT required to conduct an investigation into a patient's occupation
to determine if shatter-resistant lenses are necessary UNLESS:
A) The patient is wearing a uniform.
B) The patient is accompanied by a guardian.
C) The optometrist has personal knowledge of the patient's occupation or the patient informs
them.
D) The patient has a high prescription.
E) The patient asks for the cheapest option available.
Correct Answer: C) unless informed by person obtaining the eyeglasses or has personal
knowledge of age or occupation
Rationale: While the law protects specific occupations and age groups, the practitioner is
not legally liable for failing to provide shatter-resistant lenses if they had no reasonable way
of knowing the patient fell into those categories, provided the patient did not disclose it.
Question 5
Accepting a rebate, refund, or commission for referring a patient to a specific specialist is a
violation of which law?
A) Federal Stark Law
B) The Sherman Antitrust Act
C) California Anti-kickback/Fee Splitting Law
D) The Optometric Practice Act of 1950
E) The Patient Bill of Rights
Correct Answer: C) Anti-kickback/fee splitting law
Rationale: It is unlawful for any person licensed under the Healing Arts division to offer,
deliver, receive, or accept any rebate, refund, commission, or discount as compensation or
inducement for referring patients. This is considered a public offense punishable by fine or
imprisonment.
Question 6
Under Federal Stark Law, what is the threshold for "financial interest" in a health care provider
that would make a referral unlawful?
A) $1,000 or 1% ownership
B) $5,000 or 5% ownership
C) $10,000 or 10% ownership
D) $500 or 2% ownership
E) Any amount over
100𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 𝐵) ∗∗
, 3
5000 or 5% of the whole**
Rationale: The Stark Law is designed to prevent conflicts of interest. If a practitioner or an
immediate family member has a financial interest of $5,000 or 5% of the entity's
equity/value, referring a patient to that entity is prohibited unless a specific exception
applies.
Question 7
Which of the following is considered an "immediate family member" under California referral
laws?
A) Brother or sister
B) Grandparents
C) Spouse or children
D) First cousins
E) Aunts and uncles
Correct Answer: C) 1. parents 2. spouse 2. children 4. spouses of children
Rationale: The law identifies parents, spouses, children, and their spouses as immediate
family. Referrals to these individuals are restricted to prevent self-dealing. Notably, siblings
are not included in this specific definition of "immediate family" for referral prohibitions.
Question 8
When is a referral to a health care provider in which the optometrist has a financial interest
permitted?
A) If the patient gives verbal consent.
B) If the optometrist gives a discount to the patient.
C) If the financial interest is disclosed in writing at the time of the referral.
D) If the specialist is the only one in the building.
E) It is never permitted under any circumstance.
Correct Answer: C) Permitted if financial interest is disclosed in writing at the time of
referral/consultation request.
Rationale: Transparency is the primary requirement. If the practitioner discloses the
interest in writing, the patient can make an informed decision. Furthermore, a referral is
allowed if there is no alternative provider within a specific geographic range.
Question 9
What is the geographic/time exception that allows a referral to a provider despite a financial
interest?
A) No alternative within 10 miles or 15 minutes.
B) No alternative within 25 miles or 40 minutes.
C) No alternative within 50 miles or 60 minutes.
D) No alternative within 5 miles or 10 minutes.
E) No alternative within the same county.
, 4
Correct Answer: B) 25 miles or 40 minutes.
Rationale: This exception exists to ensure patient access to care in rural or underserved
areas where the only available specialist might have a financial link to the referring
optometrist.
Question 10
In optometric advertising, which of the following phrases is strictly prohibited?
A) "Comprehensive eye exams available."
B) "We accept most insurance plans."
C) "Lenses as low as $29."
D) "Located on Main Street."
E) "Board Certified Optometrist."
Correct Answer: C) Cannot use words such as "as low as", "and up to", "Lowest prices"
Rationale: California law requires price advertisements to be exact and clearly identified.
Phrases like "as low as" or "lowest prices" are considered misleading or "bait and switch"
tactics and are prohibited in professional advertising.
Question 11
Which of the following may be legally included in an optometrist’s advertisement?
A) A statement that they are the "best in the city."
B) A promise of a "free gift" with every exam.
C) A list of degrees received and the names of schools attended.
D) A "bait" price for a product that is not stocked.
E) An "and up to" price for contact lenses.
Correct Answer: C) Degrees received, names of schools, post grad training
Rationale: Advertisements are restricted to factual data. This includes name, contact info,
languages spoken, board certifications, degrees, publications, and specific fees for services.
Question 12
True or False: An optometrist can legally be employed by an optician in the state of California.
A) True
B) False
Correct Answer: B) false
Rationale: To maintain professional independence and prevent commercial interests from
dictating clinical care, California law prohibits an optician from employing an optometrist.
However, an optometrist may lease space from an optician.
Question 13
If an optometrist leases space from an optician or a health plan, the lease must be for a minimum
term of:
A) 6 months
ANSWERS | ALREADY GRADED A+ | PROFESSOR VERIFIED
Question 1
Under California Law, a licensed optometrist must notify the State Board of Optometry of any
changes to their mailing address within how many days?
A) 10 days
B) 15 days
C) 30 days
D) 45 days
E) 60 days
Correct Answer: C) 30 days
Rationale: According to the California Business and Professions Code, any person holding a
license issued by the Board must report a change in mailing address within 30 days. This
ensures the Board can maintain accurate contact records for regulatory and legal
correspondence.
Question 2
To which of the following groups is it strictly prohibited to dispense, prescribe, or sell eyeglasses
that are NOT made of shatter-resistant lenses?
A) A person over the age of 65
B) A commercial truck driver
C) A law enforcement officer
D) A professional athlete
E) A college student
Correct Answer: C) law enforcement officer
Rationale: California law mandates shatter-resistant lenses for high-risk categories to
ensure safety. These categories include one-eyed persons, law enforcement officers, firemen,
and minors (under 18 years old).
Question 3
Which of the following frames is prohibited for use when dispensing eyeglasses to a person
under the age of 18?
A) Metal frames
B) Frames made of flammable materials
C) Rimless frames
D) Semi-rimless frames
E) Titanium frames
Correct Answer: B) non-flammable frames
Rationale: Specifically for minors, law enforcement, firemen, and the monocular, frames
must be non-flammable in addition to the lenses being shatter-resistant. This is a safety
measure to prevent burns or secondary injuries during accidents.
, 2
Question 4
An optometrist is generally NOT required to conduct an investigation into a patient's occupation
to determine if shatter-resistant lenses are necessary UNLESS:
A) The patient is wearing a uniform.
B) The patient is accompanied by a guardian.
C) The optometrist has personal knowledge of the patient's occupation or the patient informs
them.
D) The patient has a high prescription.
E) The patient asks for the cheapest option available.
Correct Answer: C) unless informed by person obtaining the eyeglasses or has personal
knowledge of age or occupation
Rationale: While the law protects specific occupations and age groups, the practitioner is
not legally liable for failing to provide shatter-resistant lenses if they had no reasonable way
of knowing the patient fell into those categories, provided the patient did not disclose it.
Question 5
Accepting a rebate, refund, or commission for referring a patient to a specific specialist is a
violation of which law?
A) Federal Stark Law
B) The Sherman Antitrust Act
C) California Anti-kickback/Fee Splitting Law
D) The Optometric Practice Act of 1950
E) The Patient Bill of Rights
Correct Answer: C) Anti-kickback/fee splitting law
Rationale: It is unlawful for any person licensed under the Healing Arts division to offer,
deliver, receive, or accept any rebate, refund, commission, or discount as compensation or
inducement for referring patients. This is considered a public offense punishable by fine or
imprisonment.
Question 6
Under Federal Stark Law, what is the threshold for "financial interest" in a health care provider
that would make a referral unlawful?
A) $1,000 or 1% ownership
B) $5,000 or 5% ownership
C) $10,000 or 10% ownership
D) $500 or 2% ownership
E) Any amount over
100𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 𝐵) ∗∗
, 3
5000 or 5% of the whole**
Rationale: The Stark Law is designed to prevent conflicts of interest. If a practitioner or an
immediate family member has a financial interest of $5,000 or 5% of the entity's
equity/value, referring a patient to that entity is prohibited unless a specific exception
applies.
Question 7
Which of the following is considered an "immediate family member" under California referral
laws?
A) Brother or sister
B) Grandparents
C) Spouse or children
D) First cousins
E) Aunts and uncles
Correct Answer: C) 1. parents 2. spouse 2. children 4. spouses of children
Rationale: The law identifies parents, spouses, children, and their spouses as immediate
family. Referrals to these individuals are restricted to prevent self-dealing. Notably, siblings
are not included in this specific definition of "immediate family" for referral prohibitions.
Question 8
When is a referral to a health care provider in which the optometrist has a financial interest
permitted?
A) If the patient gives verbal consent.
B) If the optometrist gives a discount to the patient.
C) If the financial interest is disclosed in writing at the time of the referral.
D) If the specialist is the only one in the building.
E) It is never permitted under any circumstance.
Correct Answer: C) Permitted if financial interest is disclosed in writing at the time of
referral/consultation request.
Rationale: Transparency is the primary requirement. If the practitioner discloses the
interest in writing, the patient can make an informed decision. Furthermore, a referral is
allowed if there is no alternative provider within a specific geographic range.
Question 9
What is the geographic/time exception that allows a referral to a provider despite a financial
interest?
A) No alternative within 10 miles or 15 minutes.
B) No alternative within 25 miles or 40 minutes.
C) No alternative within 50 miles or 60 minutes.
D) No alternative within 5 miles or 10 minutes.
E) No alternative within the same county.
, 4
Correct Answer: B) 25 miles or 40 minutes.
Rationale: This exception exists to ensure patient access to care in rural or underserved
areas where the only available specialist might have a financial link to the referring
optometrist.
Question 10
In optometric advertising, which of the following phrases is strictly prohibited?
A) "Comprehensive eye exams available."
B) "We accept most insurance plans."
C) "Lenses as low as $29."
D) "Located on Main Street."
E) "Board Certified Optometrist."
Correct Answer: C) Cannot use words such as "as low as", "and up to", "Lowest prices"
Rationale: California law requires price advertisements to be exact and clearly identified.
Phrases like "as low as" or "lowest prices" are considered misleading or "bait and switch"
tactics and are prohibited in professional advertising.
Question 11
Which of the following may be legally included in an optometrist’s advertisement?
A) A statement that they are the "best in the city."
B) A promise of a "free gift" with every exam.
C) A list of degrees received and the names of schools attended.
D) A "bait" price for a product that is not stocked.
E) An "and up to" price for contact lenses.
Correct Answer: C) Degrees received, names of schools, post grad training
Rationale: Advertisements are restricted to factual data. This includes name, contact info,
languages spoken, board certifications, degrees, publications, and specific fees for services.
Question 12
True or False: An optometrist can legally be employed by an optician in the state of California.
A) True
B) False
Correct Answer: B) false
Rationale: To maintain professional independence and prevent commercial interests from
dictating clinical care, California law prohibits an optician from employing an optometrist.
However, an optometrist may lease space from an optician.
Question 13
If an optometrist leases space from an optician or a health plan, the lease must be for a minimum
term of:
A) 6 months
