2016 Colorado Revised Statutes
Title 12 - Professions and Occupations
Health Care
Article 40 - Optometrists
§ 12-40-108. Application for license - licensure by endorsement

(1) A person who desires to practice optometry in the state may file with the board an application for a license, giving the information required in a form and manner approved by the board. The applicant shall demonstrate that he or she possesses the following qualifications:

(a) The applicant has attained the age of twenty-one years.

(b) The applicant has graduated with the degree of doctor of optometry from a school or college of optometry accredited by a regional or professional accreditation organization that is recognized or approved by the council on postsecondary accreditation or the United States secretary of education. The board has the authority, upon its investigation and approval of the standards thereof, to approve any other college of optometry.

(c) The applicant has successfully passed the written examination of the national board of examiners in optometry. The board shall have the authority, upon its investigation and approval of the examination standards, to approve some body other than the national board of examiners in optometry as the examining body.

(c.5) Repealed.

(d) The applicant is not addicted to or dependent on, and has not habitually or excessively used or abused, intoxicating liquors, habit-forming drugs, or controlled substances as defined in section 18-18-102 (5), C.R.S.

(e) After July 1, 1988, the applicant has satisfied the requirements of section 12-40-109.5 or equivalent requirements approved by the board, including passing a standardized national examination in the treatment and management of ocular disease.

(f) After July 1, 1996, the applicant has satisfied the requirements of section 12-40-109.5 (3) or equivalent requirements approved by the board, including passing a standardized national examination in the treatment and management of ocular disease.

(2) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2011, (SB 11-094), ch. 129, p. 446, § 14, effective April 22, 2011.)

(3) (a) The board may issue a license by endorsement to engage in the practice of optometry to an applicant who:

(I) (A) Is currently licensed and is in practice and good standing in another state or territory of the United States or in a foreign country if the applicant presents proof satisfactory to the board at the time of application for a Colorado license by endorsement;

(B) Pays a fee as prescribed by the board; and

(II) (A) Possesses credentials and qualifications that are substantially equivalent to requirements for licensure by examination; or

(B) Has demonstrated competency as an optometrist as determined by the board.

(b) The board shall specify by rule what shall constitute substantially equivalent credentials and qualifications or competency.