PRC BOARD OF OPTOMETRY NO. 01 SERIES OF 1996

Legal Basis: Section 6 (g) of P.D. No. 223, as amended, grants the Board of Optometry the authority to set the passing general rating for the Optometry Licensure Examinations, contingent upon the approval of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Context: R.A. No. 1998, which regulates the practice of Optometry in the Philippines, does not stipulate a passing general rating for the licensure examinations.

Resolution Overview: The Board of Optometry establishes a grading system for the Optometry Licensure Examinations, subject to PRC approval.

General Average Requirement:
- A minimum overall average rating of 70% is required for passing.
- No individual subject rating below 50% is allowed in both theoretical and practical portions.
Conditioned Examinees:
- If an examinee achieves between 50% and 70% average but does not meet the overall requirement, they are considered "conditioned" and must retake the exam.

Failure Definition: An examinee with an average rating below 50% in either examination part is deemed to have failed the entire licensure examination.

Conditioned Examinees:
- Must retake the examination within three years, with one attempt per year.
Review Course Requirement:
- Examinees failing three successive removal examinations or the licensure exam three times must complete a review course at a Board-designated Optometry school.
- Must submit a Certificate of Attendance from the institution for re-examination eligibility.

Implementation: The resolution takes effect 15 days post-publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Transition Clause: The new rules will not apply to examinees for three months following the resolution's effectivity.
Distribution: Copies of the resolution are to be provided to Deans of Optometry Schools and relevant associations for information dissemination.

The Board of Optometry has established a clear grading system for the Optometrist Licensure Examinations, defining the weight of theoretical and practical sections, passing criteria, and protocols for conditioned examinees.
Examinees must be aware of the significant repercussions of failing to meet the established standards, including the necessity of attending review courses and the limitations on retaking examinations.
The resolution enhances clarity and structure to the licensure process, ensuring compliance with the governing laws while facilitating better preparedness for future candidates.