Application and Renewal fee reductions are in effect from October 4, 2006 - October 3, 2008.

On November 9, 2005, an amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act became effective and provides that all contact lenses are to be considered medical devices. As such, even cosmetic or plano lenses require a valid prescription to be dispensed to consumers.

NOTE: Initial "licensure" dates for "Optometrist-TPA certified" licensees on License Lookup and the telephone verification reflect the initial date they became authorized to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, not the date licensed to practice optometry. If you require the date the optometrist became licensed to practice, please contact the Board office for verification by E-mail at optbd@dhp.virginia.gov. We apologize for the inconvenience.

NOTE: Clarification Regarding License Verifications (Word .doc)

Online Licensing - Licensees can now renew a license, change an address and request a duplicate license online.

Amendment to §54.1-3205 of the Code of Virginia takes effect December 31, 2005
Beginning December 31, 2005, the provisions of §54.1-3205 new subsection D take effect. This section addresses prohibitions against optometric practice direct access to or from a commercial or mercantile establishment. Click here for a link to the Laws Governing Optometry.

Duty to Report Adult Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation - More information...

NOTICE:  The Contact Lens Rule of the Federal Trade Commission is in effect on August 2, 2004; the following link provides details:  www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/06/contactlens.htm

Consumer Alerts: Update on Serious Eye Infections Associated With Soft Contact Lens Use and Contact Lens Solution

Investigation of Serious Eye Infections Associated With Soft Contact Lens Use and Contact Lens Solution 

FDA Guidance Document: Guidance for Industry, FDA Staff, Eye Care Professionals, and Consumers - Decorative, Non-corrective Contact Lenses

FDA Warns Consumers About Unapproved and Bacterially-Contaminated Miracle II Neutralizer and Miracle II Neutralizer Gel Drug Products