Section Opt 4.01 - Qualifications An optometrist holding a license, in good standing, to practice optometry in another state that has substantially similar requirements may become licensed and registered in Wisconsin if the applicant submits evidence satisfactory to the board that he or she satisfies all of the following criteria:
(1) Has graduated from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education.(2) Has passed the examination of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry as required under s. Opt 4.03(2).(3) Has practiced optometry in the other state for at least 5 years.(4) Has passed the required state law examination administered by the board as required under s. Opt 4.03(1).(5) Has never been disciplined by the licensing authority in any other state, territory of the United States, or another country for any misconduct or violations which evidence lack of competence to practice optometry in Wisconsin as determined by the board.(6) Does not have any pending complaints against the applicant or investigations of the applicant that relate to the practice of optometry.(7) Does not have an arrest or a conviction record, subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335, Stats.(8) Pays the fee specified in s. 440.05(1), Stats.(9) Has completed the education and examination requirements to the satisfaction of the board in compliance with ch. Opt 6.Wis. Admin. Code Optometry Examining Board Opt 4.01
Cr. Register, March, 1989, No. 399, eff. 4-1-89; am. Register, April, 1996, No. 484, eff. 5-1-96; am. (intro.), (4) and (6), Register, September, 1997, No. 501, eff. 10-1-97; am. (2) and (4), Register, December, 1998, No. 516, eff. 1-1-99; CR 06-116: am. (intro.), (1) to (5) and (7), cr. (8) and (9), Register May 2007 No. 617, eff. 6-1-07.Amended by, CR 19-033: r. and recr. (9) Register January 2020 No. 769, eff. 2-1-20; CR 19-026: am. (1), (2), (6) Register January 2020 No. 769, eff. 2/1/2020Applicants who engaged in the practice of optometry for at least 5 years prior to 1996 are required to take and pass Parts I and II of the national board examination. Applicants who engaged in the practice of optometry for less than 5 years prior to 1996 and applicants who graduated from an approved college of optometry after December 31, 1995 are required to take and pass Parts I, II and III of the national board examination. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the national board to request that verification of the applicant's successful completion of the requisite examination be forwarded to the board. An application will not be considered complete until after the board receives the examination verification and other required information.