Information for Military Personnel and Their Spouses/Domestic Partners

RENEWAL FEE WAIVER FOR RESERVISTS CALLED TO ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY SERVICE

Beginning January 1, 2013, the Board of Optometry must waive renewal requirements for military personnel while they are on active duty. Renewal requirements waived for active duty military personnel include renewal fees, continuing education requirements, and any other requirements as determined by the program.

To qualify for a waiver, the licensee must:

  • Possess a current and valid license when called to active duty; and
  • Provide written documentation that substantiates the licensee’s call to active duty.

"Called to active duty" includes licensees in all branches of the military who, on a temporary basis, travel to remote locations to engage in activity relating to a war, national emergency, or other military operation.

Renewal requirements are only waived for the period of time the licensee/registrant is serving in the temporary assignment at the remote location, and the licensee/registrant must notify his or her licensing board or bureau of receipt of a notice of discharge date within 60 days of receiving such a notice.

All private practice is prohibited under the waiver. A licensee may not return to private practice until after they have complied with renewal requirements required by the Board. (Business and Professions Code section 114.3)

If you have questions or need further information please contact the Board at 916-575-7170.

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EXPEDITED LICENSURE FOR SPOUSES OR DOMESTIC PARTNERS OF ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL

Beginning January 1, 2013, the Board is required to expedite the licensure process for spouses and domestic partners of those on active duty in the Armed Forces.

For an applicant’s license to be expedited, the applicant must:

  • Supply evidence that they are married to, or in a domestic partnership or other legal union with, an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is assigned to a duty station in California under official orders, and;
  • Hold a current license/registration in another state, district or territory of the United States as an Optometrist.

To assist with this request, follow the instructions on and submit a Military Spouse Expedite Form along with your application for licensure. Please note that this does not mean a license must be issued, but simply requires the process to be accelerated for spouses and domestic partners of active duty military personnel. (Business and Professions Code Section 115.5)

If you have questions or need further information please contact the Board at 916-575-7170.