Optometrist Continuing Education Requirements
Each licensee applying for license renewal, except a licensee applying for a license renewal for the first time, shall sign a statement attesting that he or she has satisfied the continuing education requirements on the annual renewal application.
Record Retention
Each licensee shall retain records of attendance or certificates of completion that demonstrate compliance with the continuing education requirements for not less than three years following the date on which the continuing education was completed or the license was renewed. Each licensee shall submit such records to the department for inspection not later than forty-five days after a request by the department for such records. A licensee who fails to comply with the CE provisions may be subject to disciplinary action.
Exemptions/Waivers
In individual cases involving medical disability or illness, the department may grant a waiver of the continuing education requirements or an extension of time within which to fulfill the requirements of this section to any licensee, provided the licensee submits to the department an application for waiver or extension of time along with a certification by a licensed physician of the disability or illness and such other documentation as may be required. The department may grant a waiver or extension for a period not to exceed one registration period, except that the department may grant additional waivers or extensions if the medical disability or illness upon which a waiver or extension is granted continues beyond the period of the waiver or extension and the licensee applies for an additional waiver or extension.
A licensee who is not actively engaged in the practice of optometry, in any form, during a registration period shall be exempt from the continuing education requirements, provided the licensee submits a notarized application for exemption before the end of the registration period. A licensee who is exempt under the provisions of this subsection may not engage in the practice of optometry until the licensee has met the continuing education requirements of this section.
Reinstatement of a Lapsed License
A licensee whose license has become void pursuant to section 19a-88 and who applies to the department for reinstatement of such license shall submit evidence of successful completion of twenty contact hours of continuing education within the one-year period immediately preceding the application for reinstatement.