The Georgia State Board of Optometry is a six-member board appointed by the Governor to protect, promote and preserve the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Georgia. The Board is composed of five licensed, practicing optometrists and one consumer member. They are responsible for the regulation of licensed optometrists in Georgia. The Board reviews applications, administers examinations, licenses qualified applicants and regulates the practice of licensees throughout the state. Complaints are investigated and, if warranted, disciplinary action may be taken by the Board. Board meetings are held approximately four times each year at the Secretary of State’s office in Macon and are open to the public. Persons wishing to bring matters for the board’s consideration should submit a written request to the office.

The practice of optometry consists of the diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eyes, and associated structures, including the diagnosis of related systemic conditions. As a learned science, licensed optometrists meet a rigorous licensing standard that consists of formal optometric education, internship and examination.

Reinstatement of Optometry License Rule

Effective October 1, 2009, the Georgia Board of Optometry will no longer administer the Optometry Laws & Rules exam.  The Examination will be administered by NBEO and Professional Services Inc., (PSI).  If you plan to take the examination with NBEO, you must register with them to do so.  If you plan to take the examination with PSI, submit an application to the board.  Once you qualify for the examination, you will be notified by PSI. 
                                                                                PSI
                                                                3210 East Tropicana
                                                                Las Vega, NV  89121
                                                                   1-800-733-9267
                                                                www.psiexams.com

On June 11, 2009, the spread of the H1N1 flu virus caused the World Health Organization to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6, the highest level. Georgia officials are currently preparing for the H1N1 influenza campaign and the seasonal influenza campaign that will be conducted during fall and winter. The Department of Community Health is asking all health professionals to serve as emergency response volunteers by signing up to assist with the 2009-2010 novel H1N1 vaccine immunization plan. For more information and to sign up for the online volunteer pool at www.servga.org.