§30-8-8. License to practice optometry.

(a) To be eligible for a license to engage in the practice of optometry, the applicant must:

(1) Be at least twenty-one years of age;

(2) Be of good moral character;

(3) Graduate from a school approved by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education or successor organization;

(4) Pass an examination prescribed by the board;

(5) Complete an interview with the board;

(6) Not be addicted to the use of alcohol, drugs or other controlled substances;

(7) Not have been convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction within ten years preceding the date of application for license, which conviction has not been reversed; and

(8) Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony in any jurisdiction if the offense for which he or she was convicted related to the practice of optometry, which conviction has not been reversed.

(b) A registration to practice issued by the board prior to July 1, 2010, shall for all purposes be considered a license issued under this article: Provided, That a person holding a registration issued prior to July 1, 2010, must renew pursuant to the provisions of this article.