Citations & Disciplinary Actions

The California Board of Optometry provides information regarding administrative disciplinary actions for immediate access and the convenience of interested persons. While the Board believes the information to be reliable, human or technical error remains a possibility, as does possible delay in posting or updating information. Therefore, the Board of Optometry does not guarantee that the information is accurate.

The following decisions become effective on the "effective date" shown, unless the licensee has obtained a court-ordered stay of the decision. This may occur after the Board of Optometry has posted the decision. The Board typically adopts formal disciplinary actions during regularly scheduled quarterly meetings. The Board's meeting schedule can be found at www.optometry.ca.gov/meetings/index.shtml. For updated information on stay orders and appeals, view the Board of Optometry's Web site at a later date or contact the Board at (916) 575-7170.

Access the "Online License Verification" to verify if a licensed Optometrist has had any disciplinary action taken against his⁄her license or to verify the current status of a license. To order copies of documents not available on the Board of Optometry Web site, send your written request to:

Board of Optometry
Attn: Enforcement Program
2450 Del Paso Road, Ste. 105
Sacramento, CA 95834

or fax your request to: (916) 575-7292 or email to optometry@dca.ca.gov

Include the full name and license number of the licensee and the specific dates of the disciplinary actions taken i.e., "Please provide the disciplinary actions taken between January 1, 2007 and June 30, 2007."

Explanation of Administrative
Citation & Fine Language

A Citation and Fine Order is an alternative means by which the California Board of Optometry can address relatively minor violations that would not necessarily warrant discipline in order to protect the public. Citation and Fine Orders ARE NOT disciplinary action but are matters of public record for five years.

Citation Ordered - A means of addressing relatively minor violations. No monetary fine levied.

Citation and Fine Ordered - A means of addressing relatively minor violations with a monetary fine levied.

Citation Paid in Full - Fine levied paid in full, representing satisfactory resolution of the matter for purposes of public disclosure.

Explanation of
Disciplinary Language

Accusation - Charges filed against a licensee alleging violation(s) of the Optometry Practice Act.
Decision - The order issued by the Board in a disciplinary action.

  • Stipulated Decision - A Settlement agreed to by the parties in lieu of a formal hearing to resolve the accusation and impose discipline.
  • Proposed Decision - A document which contains the determination of issues, findings of fact and proposed order of an administrative law judge after the conclusion of an administrative hearing.

Default Decision - Licensee fails to respond to an Accusation by filing a Notice of Defense or fails to appear at administrative hearing.

Initial Probationary License - A probationary license imposing discipline issued to an applicant in lieu of the denial of the application.

Interim Suspension Order - An order issued upon petition by the Board, suspending a licensee from all or a specified part of his or her optometry practice.

Petition to Revoke Probation - Based upon violation(s) of probation the Board may file charges against a probationer seeking revocation of his/her optometry license.

Probation Term Completed - Licensee completed the probationary period successfully

Probation Tolled - The licensee is not currently working as required in his/her probationary terms. The probationary period of time served does not begin until the probationer commences practice in California.

Public Reproval - A formal reprimand issued by the Board.

Revoked - The right to practice is ended.

Revoked, Stayed, Probation - "Stayed" means the revocation is postponed, put off. Professional practice may continue so long as the licensee complies with specific probationary terms and conditions. Violation of probation may result in the revocation that was postponed.

Statement of Issues - Charges filed against an applicant to deny licensure due to alleged violation(s) of the Optometry Practice Act.

Surrender of License - The licensee turns in the license, subject to acceptance by the board. The right to practice is ended.

Suspension - The licensee is prohibited from practicing for a specific period.

Abbreviated Regulatory Language
BPC – Business and Professions Code
CCR – California Code of Regulations
HSC – Health and Safety Code

For a summary of the disciplinary action, please contact the Board at 916-575-7170.