PA Optometry Jurisprudence
PA State Board of Optometry Licensure Examination Requirements
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The Pennsylvania State Board of Optometry regulates the practice and licensure of optometry in the Commonwealth. It grants licensure to qualified optometrists and certifies eligible licensees in the use of certain therapeutic drugs and in the ability to diagnose and treat glaucoma. Candidates should understand that Pennsylvania accepts National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) scores in lieu of a separate state written jurisprudence examination, so the licensing pathway runs through NBEO Parts 1, 2A and 2B (or BS and CS plus the Clinical Skills/VRICS examination) or PC, with the TMOD required for therapeutic licenses. Jurisprudence still matters: the Board determines case by case whether a licensee departed from an ethical or quality standard of the profession, and licensees are expected to know the Practice Act (Act 57 of 1980) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 23). Preparation should combine careful reading of the Practice Act, the Board regulations, the civil penalty schedule, Act 225 of 2002 glaucoma provisions, and the federal Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act with the FTC Eyeglass and Contact Lens Rules. This independent study page is not affiliated with the Board; verify all details with the Board before applying.
What you'll study
About PA Optometry Jurisprudence preparation
Is there a separate Pennsylvania written jurisprudence exam?
The Board's examination information points to National Board of Examiners in Optometry scores rather than a standalone state written test: Parts 1, 2A and 2B, or BS and CS plus the Clinical Skills/VRICS examination, or PC, with the TMOD for therapeutic licenses. Confirm current requirements with the Board before you apply.
What does the therapeutic and glaucoma certification cover?
The Board certifies eligible licensees in the use of certain therapeutic drugs and in the ability to diagnose and treat glaucoma, with glaucoma authority linked to Act 225 of 2002. Certification is separate from baseline licensure, so check the therapeutic and glaucoma licensure snapshots on the Board's pages for eligibility details.
How do I contact the Board or NBEO?
Call the Board at 1-833-DOS-BPOA, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or email [email protected] for documentation such as letters of good standing, exam information, disciplinary documents and transcripts. NBEO is at 200 S. College Street, Suite 2010, Charlotte, NC 28202, (704) 332-9565, [email protected].
Where do I send documents?
Mail to State Board of Optometry, P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649. The physical address is 2525 N 7th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Courier deliveries go to PA Dept of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, Attn: State Board of Optometry, 2 Technology Park, Harrisburg, PA 17110-2919.
Can the Board tell me whether something is allowed?
No. The Board, its staff and counsel are not permitted to give legal advice or advisory opinions, including interpretations of law or regulations or any indication of how the Board would vote in a case. Consult a private attorney or a professional organization instead.
What standard defines unprofessional conduct?
The Board decides case by case whether a licensee engaged in immoral or unprofessional conduct by departing from, or failing to conform to, an ethical or quality standard of the profession. That is why the Board urges licensees to review the Practice Act and Board Regulations and to practice consistent with acceptable and prevailing standards.
Which laws and rules should I study first?
Start with Act 57 of 1980 (the optometry law) and the Board regulations at 49 Pa. Code Chapter 23, then the schedule of civil penalties and fees. Add Act 225 of 2002 for glaucoma and the federal Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act of 2004 with the FTC Eyeglass Rule and Contact Lens Rule.
How should I sequence my study time?
Because Pennsylvania relies on NBEO scores, prioritize NBEO Parts 1, 2A and 2B (or BS, CS and Clinical Skills/VRICS) or PC, adding the TMOD if you want a therapeutic license. Then layer Pennsylvania-specific law and regulations, therapeutic and glaucoma certification rules, and federal contact lens and eyeglass requirements.
What are common failure modes?
Treating the jurisprudence material as optional because there is no separate state written test, and confusing baseline licensure with therapeutic or glaucoma certification. Another frequent error is relying on memory of statutes instead of the current Practice Act, regulations and federal rules. Verify requirements with the Board.