(A) It is unlawful for a person to engage in the practice of optometry in this State without being licensed by the board, except as otherwise authorized by this chapter.
(B) A person is deemed to be practicing optometry within the meaning of this chapter if the person:
(1) displays a sign or in any way advertises as an optometrist;
(2) employs any means for the measurement of the powers of vision or the adaptation of lenses for the aid of vision;
(3) uses lenses in the testing of the eye in the sale of spectacles, eyeglasses, or lenses other than lenses actually sold;
(4) examines the human eye by the employment of any subjective or objective physical means to ascertain the presence of defects or abnormal conditions for the purpose of relieving them by the use of lenses, prisms, or other physical or mechanical means;
(5) practices orthoptics or prescribes contact lenses; or
(6) utilizes pharmaceutical agents for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes in the practice of optometry in accordance with this chapter.
(C) The possession of appliances for the examination of the eye, optical supplies, ophthalmic instruments, or optical equipment is prima facie evidence of practicing optometry and requires compliance with this chapter.
HISTORY: 2005 Act No. 135, Section 1.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 40 - Professions and Occupations
Section 40-37-5. Application of chapter; conflicts of law.
Section 40-37-20. Definitions.
Section 40-37-30. Licensing requirement; practice of optometry.
Section 40-37-40. Powers and duties of board; seal.
Section 40-37-50. Administration of board; assessment, collection and adjustment of fees.
Section 40-37-80. Investigation of complaints; administration of oaths; subpoena of documents.
Section 40-37-90. Investigation results presented to board; disciplinary action.
Section 40-37-100. Civil penalties and injunctive relief.
Section 40-37-110. Grounds for discipline; suspension of license on finding of mental incompetence.
Section 40-37-115. Jurisdiction.
Section 40-37-120. Basis for disciplinary action.
Section 40-37-150. Voluntary surrender of license.
Section 40-37-170. Assessment of investigation and prosecution costs.
Section 40-37-180. Payment and collection of costs.
Section 40-37-190. Confidentiality.
Section 40-37-200. Penalties for unlawful practice.
Section 40-37-230. Denial of license.
Section 40-37-235. Denial of license on basis of prior criminal record.
Section 40-37-240. Licensure requirements; display, renewal, and reinstatement of license.
Section 40-37-245. Licensure by endorsement; requirements.
Section 40-37-290. Purchasing, prescribing, and administering pharmaceutical agents.
Section 40-37-310. Referrals for treatment of eye diseases; glaucoma treatment; eye surgery.
Section 40-37-325. Multiple offices; display of license.
Section 40-37-350. Exceptions from application of chapter.
Section 40-37-360. Price of eyeglasses.
Section 40-37-370. Maintenance of laboratory.
Section 40-37-390. Unlawful advertising practices.