Evaluation and comparison of rules and regulations of state boards of optometry concerning services necessary for a complete examination

Abstract

Each state Board of Optometry was contacted in an investigation of recommendations and requirements for comprehensive vision examinations. This was carried out as an update and completion of a survey begun in 1997 by John R. Harringtion and Jonathon C. Thomas with Scott C. Cooper, O.D., M.Ed. advising. A variety of information was received. Forty-one states and the District of Columbia replied by letter or e-mail. Six of those states included a referral to an Internet web page in their reply. The remaining nine states' Internet web pages were reviewed for information. The results were compiled in a table. No specifications were found relating to minimum requirements in an optometric examination for twenty-four states and the District of Columbia. Twenty-six states did have a range of various recommendations or requirements.