Occupational/Professional Licensing and Certification (Optometrists)

The board provides consumer assistance in matters involving optometrists practicing in the State of California. Services include optometrist complaints, optometrist referrals, public awareness/education, and professional/occupational licensing of optometrists. There are no geographic restrictions.

The board is the licensing and regulatory body for the field of optometry. They are responsible for investigating complaints and disciplining optometrists who violate the law. People may file complaints over the toll free phone hotline or online at the agency's website. People may report negligence, incompetence, failure to provide appropriate medical care, dishonesty, fraud, any kind of misconduct, or unsanitary conditions. This board does not oversee the work of Ophthalmologists; ophthalmologist complaints are registered with the state Medical Board; see the separate entry.

The website provides public awareness materials about the benefit of regular eye exams, including information about the role optometrists play in screening for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and a variety of other eye conditions. People may file a complaint, search for a licensed optometrist in their area, and see the list of optometrists who have been disciplined by the board.