Section 244.4 - General qualifications for licensure(a) A person holding a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited optometric educational institution in the United States or Canada, who furnishes the board with evidence that he is at least 21 years of age, has completed the educational requirements prescribed by the board and is of good moral character, is not addicted in the use of alcohol or narcotics or other habit-forming drugs and who pays the appropriate fee may apply to the board for examination for licensure.(b) The board may establish further requirements to be met by optometric graduates from unaccredited schools or colleges of optometry before granting such graduates the right to take an examination.(c) An applicant who knowingly makes a false statement of fact in an application for examination shall be deemed to have violated this act and shall be subject to the penalties set forth herein.(d) The board shall not issue a license to an applicant who has been convicted of a felony under the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L. 233, No. 64), known as "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act," or of an offense under the laws of another jurisdiction which, if committed in this Commonwealth, would be a felony under "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act," unless: (1) at least ten years have elapsed from the date of conviction;(2) the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to the board that he has made significant progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction such that licensure of the applicant should not be expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the health and safety of his patients or the public or a substantial risk of further criminal violations; and(3) the applicant otherwise satisfies the requirements of this act.1980, June 6, P.L. 197, No. 57, § 4, effective in 60 days. Amended 1996, Oct. 30, P.L. 721, No. 130, § 3, imd. effective.