Regulates Optometry Practice in Philippines

Optometry includes examining the eye, analyzing ocular function, prescribing lenses and devices, conducting treatments, and using authorized diagnostic pharmaceutical agents.
An optometrist must be certified by the Board of Optometry and registered with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
"Optometrist in good standing" possesses a valid certificate and license.
Diagnostic pharmaceutical agents are specific topical drugs approved for optometrist use, initially restricted to five specified ophthalmic agents.
Certificate of registration and professional license are official credentials authorizing practice.
The Code of Professional Ethics governs conduct as prescribed and promulgated by the Board.

The practice includes eye examination, prescription and dispensing of lenses and related devices, vision training, counselling, establishment of clinics, and collection of professional fees.
Unauthorized practice is prohibited except for licensed physicians with postgraduate eye training and trained public health workers limited to screening.

Optometrists must indicate their license number and expiry on professional documents and display the certificate prominently.

Composed of five members appointed by the President upon PRC recommendation from nominees provided by the national optometric organization.
Board members must be Filipino citizens, registered optometrists of good standing, at least 35 years old, with 10 years active practice and no conflicting interests.
Terms last five years non-renewable; staggered initial terms; chairperson rotates annually.
Members may be removed or suspended for misconduct after due process.
Compensation is provided according to PRC rules.
The Board formulates and enforces rules, administers licensure exams, issues/suspends certificates and licenses, maintains registries, adopts ethical codes, conducts hearings, inspects establishments, enforces penalties, updates pharmaceutical agents, and monitors optometry practice standards.
A quorum requires three members; decisions on disciplinary cases require three votes.

Applicants must pass a Board-administered exam at least annually.
The exam scope includes core optometric subjects aligned with Commission on Higher Education standards.
Eligibility requires Filipino citizenship, good moral character, and a Doctor of Optometry degree from accredited institutions with specified subjects.
Passing requires a 75% general average with no score below 50%.
Results are reported within 60 days and published alphabetically.
Third-time failures must complete refresher courses before re-examination.

Successful candidates must take an oath before certificate issuance.
Disqualifications include failure to meet qualifications, criminal convictions involving moral turpitude, immoral conduct, or unsound mind.
The PRC registers and licenses successful examinees.
Certificates and licenses can be revoked or suspended for unprofessional conduct or crimes.
Decisions are appealable to PRC within 15 days.
Certificates may be reinstated or reissued upon application.
Licenses must be renewed every three years, requiring continuing education and fee payment.

A Technical Panel under the Commission on Higher Education sets minimum curriculum standards, teaching qualifications, monitors programs, and evaluates institutions.
Practitioners before this Act must take pharmacology courses and pass certification before using diagnostic pharmaceutical agents.

Prohibited acts include falsification of documents, unauthorized use of titles, unethical advertising, improper use of pharmaceutical agents, unauthorized practice, and other violations.
Penalties include imprisonment from 1 to 8 years, fines from ₱10,000 to ₱40,000, or both.
Corporate officers may be held liable for violations by their entities.

Foreigners may only take exams if their country grants reciprocal rights; exceptions exist for recognized experts under Board conditions.
The Board sets professional standards and rules subject to PRC approval.
An integrated national organization of optometrists is encouraged for professional cohesion and responsibility.
The integrated organization promulgates a Code of Ethics, oversees member conduct, and improves standards.
Membership requires payment of dues; other associations are allowed.
The Code includes duties such as prioritizing public visual welfare, promoting standards, maintaining proficiency, fairness, confidentiality, and appropriate referrals.
Violations of the Code are subject to disciplinary action.