Georgia State Board of Optometry
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
(478) 207-2440 phone
(866) 888-1308 fax
www.sos.ga.gov/plb/optometry

Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards:
PLB is working diligently to become one of the most technologically advanced licensing agencies in the country.  Throughout this year we have continued to review our business processes and implement technology to increase our performance levels and customer service for our licensees and the general public.

This quarter we have continued to make improvements to the licensure process by implementing the first online applications.  We currently have online applications available for 23 license types with plans to add more throughout the remainder of the year.  There are many advantages to online applications, including ensured completion, decreased paper use, a higher degree of accuracy, and a faster application process. You can visit our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb to see a complete list of online applications.

Finally, during the third quarter we made significant progress in the outsourcing of the PLB Examination section.  Outsourcing the exam function of PLB allows us to offer more testing locations for some license types, more testing opportunities and overall budget savings for the State of Georgia.  More information will be available in the coming weeks as all outsourcing contracts are finalized.

PLB is committed to continually seeking and implementing initiatives to enable us to provide you with the best service possible.  We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the very near future.

Regards,
Randy Vaughn
Director of the Professional Licensing Boards

The Georgia State Board of Optometry consists of six members: five licensed practicing optometrists and one consumer member. Typically, the Board meets four times each year. Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed.

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.

Minutes from the Board meetings can be found on the Board’s website: www.sos.ga.gov/plb/optometry.

Board Members:

Kay F. Royal, O.D., President
R. Whitman Lord, O.D., Vice President
Dudley B. Christie, O.D.
H. Kemp Jones, Jr., O.D.
Bill Sharpton, O.D. , F.A.A.O.
Betty Ann Lindsey, Consumer Member

Board Staff:

Anita Martin
Executive Director
Georgia State Board of Optometry

The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon.

Number of Active Licensees:

Optometrist: 1,414

Actions Taken by the Georgia State Board of Optometry

July: The Board voted to accept a consent order from the following licensee:
• James. L. Purvis, O.D., Suwanee: Fined $500 and required to obtain an additional 10 hours of continuing education. 

License Renewals:

Licenses expire as follows:
Optometrist – December 31 of odd numbered years

It is illegal to practice optometry with an expired license.

How do I renew my license? 

You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been arrested, convicted or received a board sanction since your last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether or not you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license.

The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at (478) 207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at (404) 463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice.

Information for Renewal
Please remember that your license to practice optometry in the State of Georgia expires December 31, 2009 and must be renewed.  You should be receiving a renewal notice via e-mail not later than mid-October.  You are encouraged to utilize the Board’s on-line license renewal.  The renewal site should be ready to accept renewals by October 15 and can be found at www.sos.ga.gov/plb.  
 
Also, please remember that you are required to have completed continuing education credits by December 31, 2009 to be eligible to renew your license.  Please see Board Rule 430-2-.04 on the Board’s web site at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/optometry pertaining to the requirements for continuing education. 

Disciplinary Issues:

The Board addresses these issues on a case-by-case basis and applies sanctions to those who violate the Georgia State Board of Optometry Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/optometry.

All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia State Board of Optometry website.

Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-30-9 or at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, which can be found on the Georgia State Board of Optometry website.

Georgia State Board of Optometry Complaints Process Information:

The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia State Board of Optometry to regulate the licensing and practice of optometry. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-11 is given to the Board, whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows:

Complaint Form:
Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence indicating a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rules.

Investigations:

The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority.

Notification Process:

While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions:

A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440.