DC Optometry Jurisprudence key terms

The District of Columbia body that licenses optometrists, investigates complaints, holds disciplinary hearings, and adopts regulations governing optometric practice within the District.

Examining, diagnosing, and treating visual and ocular conditions, including refraction, prescribing corrective lenses, and performing procedures within the limits the Act allows.

The legally defined boundary of activities an optometrist may perform in the District, distinguishing permitted diagnosis and treatment from acts reserved to other professions.

The statutory power of a licensed optometrist to order and administer therapeutic drugs and devices for conditions of the eye and its adnexa, subject to Board rules.

The list of drugs or drug classes that optometrists may prescribe or administer under District law, which may be set by statute or Board regulation.

A medication used to treat or manage disease of the eye or adnexa, as distinguished from an agent used only for diagnostic or refractive purposes.

A drug such as a topical anesthetic or mydriatic used to examine the eye and support diagnosis, which optometrists may use where authorized.

An agent that dilates the pupil, used to widen the view of the retina and internal eye structures during examination; its use by optometrists is governed by scope rules.

A drug that temporarily paralyzes the ciliary muscle and dilates the pupil, used to relax accommodation and obtain a reliable refractive measurement, especially in children.

The determination of refractive error and the lens power needed to correct it, a core optometric service that may require a current prescription to be released to the patient.

Evaluating the cornea and ocular surface and selecting, adapting, and verifying contact lenses for a patient, an activity within optometric scope that may require licensure.

Structures adjacent to the eyeball, such as the eyelids, conjunctiva, lacrimal system, and orbit, that optometrists may examine and treat within their authorized scope.

The credential issued by the Board authorizing a person to practice optometry in the District, which must be current and unexpired to practice lawfully.

A person who holds a current District optometry license and is therefore subject to the Practice Act, Board regulations, and the Board's disciplinary authority.

The process by which a licensed optometrist records or renews their authorization to practice with the Board, sometimes used interchangeably with license renewal.

The periodic process of maintaining an active license by submitting required information, paying fees, and demonstrating completion of continuing education before the expiration date.

A license that has expired without timely renewal; practicing on a lapsed license is unlawful and may result in discipline or a reinstatement requirement.

The process of restoring a license that has lapsed, been suspended, or been revoked, often requiring an application, fees, and evidence of fitness to practice.

Required coursework or training that licensees complete during each renewal cycle to maintain competence and remain eligible to renew their licenses.

The testing standard applicants must satisfy, such as a national optometry examination and a jurisprudence examination, before the Board will issue a license.

The standard path to a District optometry license, requiring graduation from an accredited program, passage of required examinations, and a completed application with fees.

A pathway allowing an optometrist licensed in another jurisdiction to obtain a District license based on that credential, subject to statutory conditions and Board review.

Behavior falling below the standards expected of optometrists, such as dishonesty, incompetence, or exploitation of a patient, that can support disciplinary action.

A statutory category of prohibited behavior, including fraud, practicing beyond scope, impairment, and failure to meet recordkeeping or reporting duties, that grounds discipline.

The level of care and skill that a reasonably competent optometrist would provide under similar circumstances, used to judge negligence or incompetence claims.

Failure to exercise the care a competent optometrist would use, causing harm to a patient; it may support both a civil claim and a Board complaint.

Professional negligence or breach of duty by an optometrist that injures a patient and may give rise to civil liability independent of Board discipline.

A patient's agreement to examination or treatment after receiving an explanation of the nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives, documented as appropriate.

The duty to protect a patient's health information from unauthorized disclosure, subject to exceptions such as required reporting or the patient's authorization.

Documentation of examination findings, diagnoses, treatment, and prescriptions that licensees must create and retain for the period regulations require.

An optometrist whose ability to practice is compromised by substance use, illness, or another condition, which may trigger discipline or referral to a treatment program.

A formal Board proceeding in which allegations against a licensee are presented, the licensee may respond and be represented, and the Board decides the outcome.

The procedural protections owed to a licensee facing discipline, including notice of charges, a fair hearing, and an opportunity to present evidence and respond.

A penalty the Board imposes after finding a violation, ranging from a reprimand or fine to probation, suspension, or revocation of the license.

A temporary removal of the right to practice, after which the licensee may seek reinstatement once conditions set by the Board are satisfied.

The permanent withdrawal of a license by the Board, typically for serious misconduct, after which the person may not practice and must apply for reinstatement to return.

A disciplinary status in which a licensee may continue practicing under conditions, monitoring, or restrictions imposed by the Board for a set period.

A legal duty to notify the Board or another authority about certain events, such as suspected impairment or serious misconduct of a colleague or oneself.