Board of Optometry
About
Featured Links
- Notice of Rule Making Hearing on January 16. 2019
- CPT Codes approved by the Optometry Board, Revision Date 07.08.2020 The Tennessee Board of Optometry has a list of procedures and services they have approved as considered to fall within the scope of practice, as denoted in TCA 63-14-101 through 63-14-121. The list is subject to change. The associated CPT codes are being provided on this website for the convenience of Optometrists. Please note, that while the Board has approved the procedures associated with these CPT codes as considered to fall within the scope of practice, it is up to the individual insurance companies whether they approve coverage or not. The State of Tennessee, Department of Health does not create CPT codes, nor does the Board intervene in insurance matters on behalf of licensees or the public.
- Professional Privilege Tax Due June 1, 2016
- NEW - Policy Statement on Working on a Lapsed License - 2016
- CPR Certification Requirement (2016)
- Fee decrease effective October 27, 2015
- April 2015 Update on Continuing Education in Prescribing Controlled Substances
- Background Checks Required for Those Providing Patient Care
- Volunteer for Mass Emergency Clinics
- REPORT TO A LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BY A PROVIDER OF A PERSON ATTEMPTING TO OBTAIN CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES BY DECEPTION
- Legislative Updates
- Criminal Background Check Information for New Applications
About the Board of Optometry
The Board of Optometry was created in 1925 by an act of the State Legislature. Its mission to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans by requiring that all who practice optometry within this state is qualified. The Board interprets the laws, rules, and regulations to determine the appropriate standards of practice in an effort to ensure the highest degree of professional conduct. The Board is authorized to issue licenses to qualified candidates who have completed appropriate education and successfully completed required examinations. The Board is also responsible for the investigation of alleged violations of the Practice Act and rules and is responsible for the discipline licensees who are found guilty of such violations.
Optometrists may be licensed by either examination or endorsement from other state.
The administrative staff of the Division of Health Related Boards supports the Board by issuing licenses to those who meet all requirements. Renewal notices are mailed from Board’s administrative office approximately forty-five (45) days prior to the expiration of the license to the current address on record. For those licensees who have "opted in," an email will be sent to the email address on file approximately seventy (70) days prior to the expiration date of the license. This is the only reminder a licensee shall receive. Licensees are responsible for renewing their license on time and keeping the Board apprised of current information. Licenses can be renewed on-line seventy (70) days prior to expiration at https://apps.tn.gov/hlrs/. Click on "renew license" and follow the prompts. Failure to renew by the expiration date may result in a fine.
The Board is required by statute to meet at least once per year, but typically convenes four (4) times per year. A quorum of four (4) members is required to conduct business. The meetings are open to the public.
All members of the Board are appointed by the Governor and serve five (5) year terms. The six (6) member board consists of five (5) licensed optometrists, who must each have five (5) years of experience, and one (1) member who is a health care consumer.
Contact the Board of Optometry
615-532-5090 local or 1-800-778-4123 nationwide
or write
665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Email: Unit3HRB.Health@tn.gov