DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS  
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE  
OPTOMETRY - GENERAL RULES  
(By authority conferred on the director of the department of licensing and regulatory affairs  
by sections 16145, 16148, 16174, 16287, and 17431 of the public health code, 1978 PA  
368, MCL 333.16145, 333.16148, 333.16174, 333.16287, and 333.17431 and Executive  
Reorganization Order Nos. 1991-9, 1996-2, 2003-1, and 2011-4, MCL 338.3501,  
445.2001, 445.2011, and 445.2030)  
PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS  
R 338.301 Definitions.  
Rule 1. (1) As used in these rules:  
(a) “AAO” means the American Academy of Optometry.  
(b) “ACOE” means the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education.  
(c) “Adverse drug reaction" means an adverse physical or psychological reaction  
experienced by an individual resulting from a diagnostic therapeutic agent administered by  
an optometrist that occurs within 24 hours after the therapeutic agent was administered. An  
adverse drug reaction includes any of the following:  
(i) Red eye.  
(ii) Painful eye.  
(iii) Decrease in vision.  
(iv) Pale or red swelling of the periocular or periorbital tissues.  
(v) Nausea.  
(vi) Vomiting.  
(vii) Fainting.  
(viii) Mental confusion.  
(ix) Cessation of respiration.  
(d) “AOA” means the American Optometric Association.  
(e) "Board" means the Michigan board of optometry created under section 17421 of the  
code, MCL 333.17421.  
(f) “Code" means the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211.  
(g) “COPE” means the Council on Optometric Practitioner Education.  
(h) "Course of study in general and clinical pharmacology" means a course of study that  
is completed in a board-approved school or college, in general and clinical pharmacology  
as it relates to optometry, with the characteristics described in section 17412(2)(a) of the  
code, MCL 333.17412. Not less than 30 of the 60 classroom hours of the course of study  
must be allocated to ocular pharmacology and must emphasize the systemic effects of, and  
reactions to, topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents, including the emergency  
management and referral of any adverse reactions that may occur. Time spent working in  
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a clinic, other than as part of a laboratory directly associated with a course in  
pharmacology, does not qualify as a classroom hour.  
(i) "Course of study relating to the didactic and clinical use of therapeutic pharmaceutical  
agents" means a course of study that is comprised of a minimum of 10 quarter hours or 7  
semester hours of credit or 100 classroom hours of study, is completed in a board-approved  
school or college, and is in subjects relating to the didactic and clinical use of therapeutic  
pharmaceutical agents related to optometry. Time spent working in a clinic, other than as  
part of a laboratory directly associated with a course in pharmacology, does not qualify as  
a classroom hour.  
(j) “CPR” means cardiopulmonary resuscitation.  
(k) “CSE” means clinical skills examination.  
(l) "Department" means the department of licensing and regulatory affairs.  
(m) “Established patient” means an individual who has received a professional service  
from a provider within the optometrist’s practice group within the preceding 3 years and 1  
day.  
(n) “Informed consent for an established patient” means consent by an established patient  
or an established patient’s legal representative for treatment, medication, or services after  
there has been full disclosure of the facts needed for the established patient or the  
established patient’s legal representative to make a voluntary decision based on the  
elements of knowledge, comprehension, and willingness to receive the treatment,  
medication, or service.  
(o) “Informed consent for a new patient” means a written agreement or documentation  
of a verbal agreement by a new patient or a new patient’s legal representative for treatment,  
medication, or services after there has been full disclosure of the facts needed for the new  
patient or the new patient’s legal representative to make a voluntary decision based on the  
elements of knowledge, comprehension, and willingness to receive the treatment,  
medication, or service.  
(p) “MOA” means the Michigan Optometric Association.  
(q) “NBEO” means the National Board of Examiners in Optometry.  
(r) “New patient” means a new patient who has not received a professional service from  
a provider in the optometrist’s practice group within the preceding 3 years and 1 day.  
(s) “PEPS” means patient encounters and performance skills.  
(t) “TMOD” means treatment and management of ocular disease.  
(2) A term defined in the code has the same meaning when used in these rules.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2023 AACS.; 2025 MR 11, Eff. May 9, 2025.  
R 338.302 Rescinded.  
History: 2019 AACS; 2023 AACS.  
R 338.303 Training standards for identifying victims of human trafficking;  
requirements.  
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Rule 3. (1) Pursuant to section 16148 of the code, MCL 333.16148, an individual who is  
licensed or seeking licensure shall have completed training in identifying victims of human  
trafficking that meets the following standards:  
(a) Training content that covers all of the following:  
(i) Understanding the types and venues of human trafficking in this state or the United  
States.  
(ii) Identifying victims of human trafficking in healthcare settings.  
(iii) Identifying the warning signs of human trafficking in healthcare settings for adults  
and minors.  
(iv) Identifying resources for reporting the suspected victims of human trafficking.  
(b) Acceptable providers or methods of training include any of the following:  
(i) Training offered by a nationally recognized or state-recognized health-related  
organization.  
(ii) Training offered by, or in conjunction with, a state or federal agency.  
(iii) Training obtained in an educational program that has been approved by the board  
for initial licensure, or by a college or university.  
(iv) Reading an article related to the identification of victims of human trafficking that  
meets the requirements of subdivision (a) of this subrule and is published in a peer-  
reviewed journal, healthcare journal, or professional or scientific journal.  
(c) Acceptable modalities of training may include any of the following:  
(i) Teleconference or webinar.  
(ii) Online presentation.  
(iii) Live presentation.  
(iv) Printed or electronic media.  
(2) The department may select and audit a sample of individuals and request  
documentation of proof of completion of training. If audited by the department, an  
individual shall provide an acceptable proof of completion of training, including either of  
the following:  
(a) Proof of completion certificate issued by the training provider that includes the date,  
provider name, name of training, and individual’s name.  
(b) A self-certification statement by the individual. The certification statement must  
include the individual’s name and 1 of the following:  
(i) For training completed pursuant to subrule (1)(b)(i) to (iii) of this rule, the date,  
training provider name, and name of training.  
(ii) For training completed pursuant to subrule (1)(b)(iv) of this rule, the title of article,  
author, publication name of peer-reviewed journal, healthcare journal, or professional or  
scientific journal, and the date, volume, and issue of publication, as applicable.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2023 AACS.  
R 338.304 Rescinded.  
History: 2019 AACS; 2021 AACS.  
R 338.305 Rescinded.  
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History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS.  
R 338.306 Telehealth services; requirements.  
Rule 6. (1) An optometrist who provides telehealth services shall obtain informed consent  
for an established patient or a new patient before providing a telehealth service pursuant to  
section 16284 of the code, MCL 333.16284.  
(2) An optometrist who provides a telehealth service shall maintain evidence of the  
informed consent in the patient record in compliance with section 16213 of the code, MCL  
333.16213.  
(3) An optometrist who provides a telehealth service shall comply with section 16285 of  
the code, MCL 333.16285.  
(4) An optometrist providing a telehealth service may prescribe a drug if the optometrist  
is a prescriber acting within the scope of the optometrist’s practice and in compliance with  
section 16285 the code, MCL 333.16285, if the optometrist does both of the following:  
(a) If medically necessary, refers the patient to a provider that is geographically  
accessible to the patient.  
(b) Makes himself or herself available to provide follow-up care services to the patient  
or to refer the patient to another provider for follow-up care.  
(5) An optometrist may provide a telehealth service only when the optometrist complies  
with all of the following:  
(a) Part 174 of the code, MCL 333.17401 to 333.17437.  
(b) The eye care consumer protection law, part 55A of the code, MCL 333.5551 to  
333.5571, including the duty to perform an examination and evaluation, under sections  
5551 to 5559 of the code, MCL 333.5551 to 333.5559.  
(6) An optometrist who provides a telehealth service shall exercise the same standard of  
care applicable to a traditional, face-to-face healthcare service, including any necessary  
face-to-face appointments with a patient to assess, reassess, and update the patient’s  
medical condition and the effectiveness of treatment modalities.  
History: 2019 AACS; 2023 AACS.  
R 338.307 Rescinded.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2023 AACS.  
R 338.309 Rescinded.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS.  
R 338.311 Rescinded.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS.  
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R 338.313 Rescinded.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS.  
R 338.315 Rescinded.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS.  
R 338.317 Rescinded.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS.  
R 338.319 Rescinded.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS.  
R 338.320 Rescinded.  
History: 2019 AACS; 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS.  
PART 2. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, EXAMINATIONS,  
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS  
R 338.321 Professional optometric degree program; approval standards.  
Rule 21. (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the standards of ACOE set forth  
in the publication entitled, "Accreditation Council on Optometric Education Policy and  
Procedure Manual,” published August 2023, which provides for the accreditation of  
professional optometric degree programs. A copy of the ACOE’s accreditation manual is  
available  
free  
of  
charge  
from  
the  
ACOE’s  
website  
at  
https://theacoe.org/Affiliates/ACOE/Documents/ACOE/Current%20ACOE%20Policy%2  
0and%20Procedure%20Manual.pdf. Printed copies also are available for inspection and  
distribution at a cost of 25 cents per page from the Bureau of Professional Licensing,  
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Ottawa Building, 611 West Ottawa, P.O.  
Box 30670, Lansing, Michigan 48909.  
(2) A professional optometric degree program accredited by ACOE is considered  
approved by the board.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS; 2025 MR 11, Eff. May 9, 2025.  
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R 338.322 Examination approval and adoption; limitations; passing score.  
Rule 22. (1) The board approves and adopts the NBEO examinations developed,  
administered, and scored by the NBEO or its successor.  
(2) An applicant applying for licensure shall achieve a passing score on all of the  
following parts of the NBEO examinations:  
(a) Part I.  
(b) Part II, including a passing score on the TMOD examination imbedded in Part II.  
(c) Part III CSE or PEPS examination.  
(3) An applicant for licensure is limited to attempting to achieve a passing score on the  
NBEO examination to no more than 6 attempts. A licensee shall not sponsor an applicant  
for licensure that is attempting to achieve a passing score on the NBEO examination if the  
applicant has previously attempted to pass the examination 6 or more times.  
(4) The accepted passing score for each part of the NBEO examination for licensure is the  
passing scores established by the NBEO or its successor.  
History: 2023 AACS; 2025 MR 11, Eff. May 9, 2025.  
R 338.323 Initial licensure by examination.  
Rule 23. An applicant for initial licensure by examination shall submit a completed  
application on the form provided by the department, together with the requisite fee. In  
addition to meeting the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated  
under the code, an applicant shall satisfy all of the following requirements:  
(a) Have graduated from a professional optometric degree program approved by the board  
under R 338.321, and hold the doctor of optometry degree.  
(b) Have achieved a passing score on parts I, II, and III of the NBEO examinations  
approved under R 338.322, including a passing score on the TMOD examination imbedded  
in part II.  
(c) Have achieved a minimum scaled score of 75 on the optometry jurisprudence  
examination developed and administered by the department or an entity approved by the  
department.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2023 AACS.  
R 338.325 Licensure by endorsement.  
Rule 25. An applicant who has never held an optometrist license in this state, who holds  
an active license in good standing in another state or province of Canada, and who is not  
applying for licensure by examination, may apply for licensure by endorsement and submit  
a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the requisite  
fee. In addition to meeting the requirements of the code and the administrative rules  
promulgated under the code, an applicant shall comply with all of the following  
requirements as noted by (√):  
(a) For an applicant who is Licensed for less than 3 Licensed 3 years or more.  
licensed in another state:  
(i) Establish that  
applicant is of good moral  
years.  
the  
√
√
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character as defined in,  
and determined under,  
1974 PA 381, MCL  
338.41 to 338.47.  
(ii)  
Submit fingerprints as  
required under section  
16174(3) of the code,  
MCL 333.16174.  
√
√
√
√
(iii) Graduate from a school of  
optometry approved by  
the board under  
338.321.  
R
(iv) Achieve a passing score  
on parts I, II, and III of the  
NBEO  
including a passing score  
on the TMOD  
examination,  
examination given by  
NBEO or its successor  
organization.  
(v)  
Achieve  
a
minimum  
scaled score of 75 on the  
optometry jurisprudence  
examination developed  
and administered by the  
department or an entity  
√
√
√
approved  
by  
the  
department.  
(vi) Hold a license in good  
standing granting  
√
√
therapeutic prescriptive  
certification at the highest  
level authorized in the  
state where the applicant  
is currently licensed.  
(vii) Hold  
a
valid CPR  
certificate issued by any  
of the following:  
√
(A) The Red Cross.  
(B) The American Heart  
Association.  
(C)  
An  
accredited  
hospital.  
(D) An organization or  
institution comparable to  
those  
identified  
in  
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subparagraphs (A) to (C)  
of this paragraph.  
(viii) Comply with both of the  
following:  
√
√
(A)  
Disclose each  
license, registration, or  
certification in a health  
profession or specialty  
issued by another state,  
the United States military,  
the federal government,  
or another country on the  
application form.  
(B)  
Satisfy  
the  
requirements of section  
16174(2) of the code,  
MCL  
including  
333.16174,  
verification  
from the issuing entity  
showing that disciplinary  
proceedings  
pending  
are not  
against the  
applicant and sanctions  
are not in force at the time  
of application.  
(b) For an applicant who is Licensed less than 10 Licensed 10 years or more.  
licensed in a province of Canada: years.  
(i)  
Establish  
that  
the  
applicant is of good moral  
character as defined in,  
and determined under,  
1974 PA 381, MCL  
338.41 to 338.47.  
√
√
(ii)  
Submit fingerprints as  
required under section  
16174(3) of the code,  
MCL 333.16174.  
√
√
√
√
√
(iii) Graduate from a school of  
optometry approved by  
the board under  
338.321.  
R
(iv) Achieve a passing score  
on parts I, II, and III of the  
NBEO  
including a passing score  
on the TMOD  
examination,  
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examination given by  
NBEO or its successor  
organization.  
(v)  
Achieve  
a
minimum  
scaled score of 75 on the  
optometry jurisprudence  
examination developed  
and administered by the  
department or an entity  
√
√
√
√
√
√
approved  
by  
the  
department.  
(vi) Hold a license in good  
standing granting  
therapeutic prescriptive  
certification at the highest  
level authorized in the  
province of Canada  
where the applicant is  
currently licensed.  
(vii) Hold  
a
valid CPR  
certificate issued by any  
of the following:  
(A) The Red Cross.  
(B) The American Heart  
Association.  
(C)  
An  
accredited  
hospital.  
(D) An organization or  
institution comparable to  
those  
identified  
in  
subparagraphs (A) to (C)  
of this paragraph.  
(viii) Comply with both of the  
following:  
√
√
(A)  
Disclose  
each  
license, registration, or  
certification in a health  
profession or specialty  
issued by another state,  
the United States military,  
the federal government,  
or another country on the  
application form.  
(B)  
Satisfy  
the  
requirements of section  
16174(2) of the code,  
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MCL  
including  
333.16174,  
verification  
from the issuing entity  
showing that disciplinary  
proceedings  
pending  
are not  
against the  
applicant and sanctions  
are not in force at the time  
of application.  
History: 2023 AACS; 2025 MR 11, Eff. May 9, 2025.  
R 338.327 Limited licenses.  
Rule 27. (1) The board may issue an educational limited license, under section  
16182(2)(a) of the code, MCL 333.16182, to an individual that meets the requirements of  
the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code and who meets both of  
the following:  
(a) Has graduated from a board-approved professional optometric degree program, or  
who will graduate from the program not more than 3 months after applying for an  
educational limited license.  
(b) Is enrolled in a postgraduate course of study or participates in a residency program  
that is offered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or an institution  
approved by the ACOE.  
(2) The board may issue a clinical academic limited license, under section 16182(2)(c) of  
the code, MCL 333.16182, to an individual who meets the requirements of the code and  
the administrative rules promulgated under the code and who is a graduate of a board-  
approved professional optometric degree program and who is employed as a faculty  
member at a board-approved professional optometric degree program. An optometrist who  
is licensed under this subrule may perform procedures on patients while employed as a  
faculty member at a board-approved professional optometric degree program, if these  
procedures are performed under the general supervision of a faculty member who is fully  
licensed as an optometrist. An individual who is licensed under this subrule shall not do  
either of the following:  
(a) Hold himself or herself out to the public as being engaged in the practice of optometry  
other than as a faculty member.  
(b) Provide optometric services outside of his or her employment as a faculty member.  
(3) An individual who applies for a limited license under section 16182(2)(a) or (c) of the  
code, MCL 333.16182(2), shall meet all of the following requirements:  
(a) Comply with section 16174 of the code, MCL 333.16174.  
(b) Submit proof of graduation from an accredited professional optometric degree  
program that is approved by the board under R 338.321.  
(c) Submit proof of appointment to either of the following:  
(i) A postgraduate course of study or a residency program, under subrule (1) of this rule.  
(ii) A faculty position at a board-approved professional optometric degree program,  
under subrule (2) of this rule.  
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(4) A limited license may be renewed 1 time. When applying for renewal, the limited  
licensee shall submit evidence of having completed 10 hours of board-approved continuing  
education in pharmacological management of ocular conditions.  
History: 2023 AACS.  
R 338.328 Relicensure.  
Rule 28. (1) An applicant whose license has lapsed may be relicensed under section  
16201(3) or (4) of the code, MCL 333.16201, as applicable, if the applicant meets the  
requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code and  
satisfies the following requirements as noted by (√):  
(a) For an applicant who has let Lapsed  
3 Lapsed  
more Lapsed 6 years or  
the applicant’s Michigan license years or less. than 3 years, but more.  
lapse and is not currently licensed  
in another state or in Canada:  
less than 6 years.  
(i)  
Submit  
a
completed  
application on a form  
√
√
√
√
√
provided  
by  
the  
department,  
together  
with the required fee.  
(ii) Establish that  
applicant is of good  
the  
√
moral  
defined  
character  
in,  
as  
and  
determined under, 1974  
PA 381, MCL 338.41 to  
338.47.  
(iii) Submit fingerprints as  
required under section  
16174(3) of the code,  
MCL 333.16174.  
(iv) Submit proof of having  
completed 40 hours of  
continuing education as  
√
√
√
√
√
required  
under  
R
338.331, that was earned  
within the 2-year period  
immediately preceding  
the date of relicensure,  
subject to both of the  
following:  
(A) At least 2 of the 40  
hours of continuing  
education must be in pain  
and  
symptom  
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management,  
provided  
as  
R
under  
338.331(3).  
(B) If certified to  
administer therapeutic  
pharmaceutical agents, at  
least 20 of the 40 hours of  
continuing  
must  
education  
in  
be  
pharmacological  
management of ocular  
conditions, as provided  
under R 338.331(2), and  
the applicant shall hold a  
current CPR certificate.  
(v)  
Achieve  
a
minimum  
scaled score of 75 on the  
optometry jurisprudence  
examination developed  
and administered by the  
department, or an entity  
√
√
approved  
by  
the  
department.  
(vi) Achieve a passing score  
on parts I, II, and III of  
the NBEO examination  
given by NBEO or its  
successor organization.  
(vii) An applicant who is or  
has ever been licensed,  
registered, or certified in  
a health profession or  
specialty by another  
state, the United States  
military, the federal  
government, or another  
country, shall do both of  
the following:  
√
√
√
√
(A) Disclose each  
license, registration, or  
certification  
application form.  
(B) Satisfy  
on  
the  
the  
requirements of section  
16174(2) of the code,  
MCL  
333.16174,  
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including  
verification  
from the issuing entity  
showing that disciplinary  
proceedings are not  
pending against the  
applicant and sanctions  
are not in force at the  
time of application.  
(b) For an applicant who has let Lapsed  
3 Lapsed  
more Lapsed 6 years or  
the applicant’s Michigan license years or less. than 3 years, but more.  
lapse and is currently licensed in  
another state or in Canada:  
less than 6 years.  
(i)  
Submit  
a
completed  
application on a form  
√
√
√
√
√
provided  
by  
the  
department,  
together  
with the required fee.  
(ii) Establish that  
applicant is of good  
the  
√
moral  
defined  
character  
in,  
as  
and  
determined under, 1974  
PA 381, MCL 338.41 to  
338.47.  
(iii) Submit fingerprints as  
required under section  
16174(3) of the code,  
MCL 333.16174.  
(iv) Submit proof of having  
completed 40 hours of  
continuing education as  
√
√
√
√
√
required  
under  
R
338.331, that was earned  
within the 2-year period  
immediately preceding  
the date of relicensure,  
subject to both of the  
following:  
(A) At least 2 of the 40  
hours of continuing  
education must be in pain  
and  
symptom  
as  
management,  
provided  
338.331(3).  
under  
R
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(B) If certified to  
administer therapeutic  
pharmaceutical agents, at  
least 20 of the 40 hours of  
continuing  
must  
education  
in  
be  
pharmacological  
management of ocular  
conditions, as provided  
under R 338.331(2), and  
the applicant shall hold a  
current CPR certificate.  
(v)  
Achieve  
a
minimum  
scaled score of 75 on the  
optometry jurisprudence  
examination developed  
and administered by the  
department, or an entity  
√
√
√
√
approved  
by  
the  
department.  
(vi) An applicant who is or  
has ever been licensed,  
registered, or certified in  
a health profession or  
specialty by another  
state, the United States  
military, the federal  
government, or another  
country, shall do both of  
the following:  
√
(A) Disclose each  
license, registration, or  
certification  
application form.  
(B) Satisfy  
on  
the  
the  
requirements of section  
16174(2) of the code,  
MCL  
including  
333.16174,  
verification  
from the issuing entity  
showing that disciplinary  
proceedings are not  
pending against the  
applicant and sanctions  
are not in force at the  
time of application.  
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(2) If relicensure is granted and it is determined that a sanction has been imposed by  
another state, the United States military, the federal government, or another country, the  
disciplinary subcommittee may impose appropriate sanctions under section 16174(5) of  
the code, MCL 333.16174.  
History: 2023 AACS; 2025 MR 11, Eff. May 9, 2025.  
R 338.329 Certification to administer topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical  
agents; application; qualifications; adoption of standards; prohibitions.  
Rule 29. (1) An applicant for certification to administer a topical ocular diagnostic  
pharmaceutical agent in the practice of optometry shall submit a completed application, on  
a form provided by the department, together with the requisite fee. In addition to meeting  
the other requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code,  
an applicant shall satisfy all of the following requirements:  
(a) Successfully complete a course of study in general and clinical pharmacology related  
to the practice of optometry as required in section 17412(2)(a) of the code, MCL  
333.17412. The course of study must include passing an examination on general and ocular  
pharmacology. The applicant has successfully completed the required course of study  
when the applicant has been granted the credit hours designated for the course of study by  
the teaching institution where the course is offered.  
(b) Establish a board-approved emergency plan, under section 17412(2)(d) of the code,  
MCL 333.17412, for the management and referral of patients who experience any adverse  
drug reaction. To be board-approved, the emergency plan must include all of the  
following:  
(i) Patient instructions related to an adverse drug reaction.  
(ii) A referral procedure for a patient reporting an adverse drug reaction.  
(iii) The names and contact information of not less than 3 physicians, clinics, or hospitals  
to whom the patient reporting an adverse drug reaction may be referred.  
(iv) A documentation procedure for the information to be included in the patient’s  
medical record regarding the report of an adverse drug reaction.  
(c) Successfully complete a course in CPR as required by section 17412(2)(c) of the code,  
MCL 333.17412, approved by the department of health and human services, and offered  
or approved by any of the following:  
(i) The Red Cross.  
(ii) The American Heart Association.  
(iii) An accredited hospital.  
(iv) An organization or institution comparable to those identified in paragraphs (i) to (iii)  
of this subdivision.  
(2) A licensed optometrist shall not use diagnostic pharmaceutical agents in the practice  
of optometry unless the optometrist has been certified by the board as being qualified to  
administer topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents.  
History: 2023 AACS.  
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R 338.330 Certification to administer and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical  
agents; application; qualifications.  
Rule 30. (1) An applicant for certification to administer and prescribe a therapeutic  
pharmaceutical agent in the practice of optometry shall submit a completed application, on  
a form provided by the department, together with the requisite fee. In addition to meeting  
the other requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code,  
an applicant shall satisfy all of the following requirements:  
(a) Meet the certification requirements to administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents  
under R 338.315.  
(b) Successfully complete a course of study relating to the didactic and clinical use of  
therapeutic pharmaceutical agents as required in section 17435(2)(b) of the code, MCL  
333.17435.  
(c) Establish a board-approved management plan that complies with section 17435(2)(c)  
of the code, MCL 333.17435.  
(2) A licensed optometrist shall not administer or prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical  
agents in the practice of optometry unless the optometrist has been certified by the board  
as being qualified to administer and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents.  
History: 2023 AACS.  
PART 3. CONTINUING EDUCATION AND LICENSE RENEWAL  
R 338.331 License renewal; continuing education, requirements, limitations.  
Rule 31. (1) An applicant for license renewal shall accumulate not less than 40 hours of  
continuing education approved by the board under R 338.332 or R 338.333 during the 2  
years immediately preceding the date of application for renewal.  
(2) An applicant for license renewal who holds certification to administer topical ocular  
diagnostic pharmaceutical agents or certification to administer and prescribe therapeutic  
pharmaceutical agents, or both, shall do both of the following:  
(a) Accumulate not less than 20 hours of continuing education in pharmacological  
management of ocular conditions. The 20 hours of continuing education are part of, and  
not in addition to, the 40 hours of continuing education required in subrule (1) of this rule.  
A continuing education program that falls within COPE categories listed in R  
338.332(7)(n)(iii) meets the requirements of this subdivision.  
(b) Hold a valid CPR certificate issued by any of the following:  
(i) The Red Cross.  
(ii) The American Heart Association.  
(iii) An accredited hospital.  
(iv) An organization or institution comparable to those identified in paragraphs (i) to (iii)  
of this subdivision.  
(3) An applicant for license renewal shall accumulate not less than 2 hours of board  
approved continuing education in pain and symptom management related to the practice of  
optometry. A continuing education program that falls within COPE categories listed in R  
338.332(7)(n)(iv)(A) to (C) meets the requirements of this subrule. Hours of continuing  
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education in pain and symptom management, as they relate to the practice of optometry,  
may include, but are not limited to, the following:  
(a) Ethics and health policy related to pain.  
(b) Pain definitions.  
(c) Basic sciences related to pain, including pharmacology, psychology, sociology, and  
anthropology.  
(d) Clinical sciences related to pain, including specific pain conditions and pain in special  
contexts and settings.  
(e) Clinician-patient communications related to pain.  
(f) Management of pain, including evaluation and treatment and non-pharmacological  
and pharmacological management.  
(g) Ensuring quality pain care.  
(h) Michigan programs and resources relevant to pain.  
(4) At least 20 of the 40 hours of continuing education must be completed in-person or in  
a live, synchronous format that provides for the opportunity of direct interaction between  
the presenter and the participants, including, but not limited to, lectures, symposia, live  
teleconferences, and workshops. The remaining 20 hours of continuing education may be  
completed in any format.  
(5) An applicant for license renewal may earn a maximum of 9 hours of continuing  
education per licensure cycle in practice management. A continuing education program  
that falls within COPE categories listed in R 338.332(7)(n)(ii) meets the requirements of  
this subrule.  
(6) A licensee may not earn continuing education credit for completing a continuing  
education program or activity that is identical or substantially identical to a program or  
activity the licensee has already earned credit for during that renewal period.  
(7) If a licensee completes a continuing education program approved by the board under  
R 338.332 that satisfies the implicit bias training required under R 338.7004, that program  
may be used to satisfy the requirements of R 338.7004 and continuing education credit for  
license renewal.  
(8) Submission of an application for renewal constitutes the applicant's certificate of  
compliance with the requirements of this rule.  
(9) An optometrist shall retain documentation of meeting the requirements of this rule for  
a period of 4 years after the date of applying for license renewal. The licensee’s  
documentation must show the licensee’s name, number of credits earned per program or  
activity, the sponsor’s name or the name of the organization that approved the program or  
activity, and the date that the program was held or activity was completed. The board may  
require an applicant or licensee to submit evidence to demonstrate compliance with this  
rule. Failure to comply with this rule is a violation of section 16221(h) of the code, MCL  
333.16221.  
(10) A request for a waiver under section 16205 of the code, MCL 333.16205, must be  
received by the department at least 30 days before the last regularly scheduled board  
meeting before the expiration date of the license.  
History: 2023 AACS; 2025 MR 11, Eff. May 9, 2025.  
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R 338.332 Adoption of standards and criteria by reference; board approval of  
continuing education programs.  
Rule 32. (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the standards and criteria of  
COPE for accreditation of an activity or qualification of a course that are set forth in the  
publications entitled “Activity Accreditation Manual,” revised December 2022, and  
“Course Qualification Manual,” revised December 2022. A copy of the publications may  
be obtained at no cost from the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry’s website  
at https://www.arbo.org/cope/qualifications. Printed copies also are available for  
inspection and distribution at a cost of 25 cents per page from the Bureau of Professional  
Licensing, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Ottawa Building, 611 West  
Ottawa, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, Michigan 48909.  
(2) A continuing education program related to the practice of optometry that has been  
accredited by COPE is considered approved by the board.  
(3) A course or continuing education program related to the practice of optometry offered  
by a college or university program approved by the board under R 338.321 is considered  
approved by the board.  
(4) A continuing education program related to the practice of optometry that has been  
approved or sponsored by the AAO, AOA, or MOA is considered approved by the board.  
(5) A continuing education program related to the practice of optometry that has been  
approved by another state board of optometry is considered approved by the board.  
(6) A continuing education program that is not approved by the board under subrules (1)  
to (5) of this rule, or as provided in R 338.333, may apply for board approval by submitting  
an application to the department. The application must be received not less than 90  
calendar days before the program presentation. The department shall deny an application  
received less than 90 calendar days before the program presentation as untimely.  
(7) An application for approval of a continuing education program must include all the  
following:  
(a) The sponsor’s name.  
(b) The sponsor’s address.  
(c) The program name.  
(d) The date of the next scheduled program.  
(e) The program location.  
(f) The program outline, including all of the following:  
(i) An explanation of how the program is designed to further educate the licensee through  
acquisition and application of knowledge that results in improved patient outcomes.  
(ii) The topics and the name of the speaker of each topic.  
(iii) The times of the specific topics and breaks included in the program.  
(g) The résumé of each speaker or instructor for the program.  
(h) A description of the delivery method, or methods to be used, and the techniques  
employed to ensure active participation.  
(i) A brief description of the sponsoring organization.  
(j) The name, title, and address of the program director and a description of the program  
director’s qualifications to direct the program.  
(k) A description of how participants will be notified that continuing education credit has  
been earned.  
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(l) A description of the physical facilities or laboratory available to ensure a proper  
learning environment.  
(m) A description of how attendance is monitored and the name of the individual  
monitoring attendance.  
(n) The number of hours of course instruction including all of the following:  
(i) The number of hours related to clinical optometry, which may include any of the  
following COPE categories:  
(A) Contact lenses (CL).  
(B) Functional vision/pediatrics (FV).  
(C) General optometry (GO).  
(D) Low vision/vision impairment & rehabilitation (LV).  
(E) Public health (PB).  
(ii) The number of hours related to practice management, which may include the  
following COPE categories:  
(A) Practice management (PM).  
(B) Ethics/jurisprudence (EJ).  
(iii) The number of hours related to pharmaceutical management, which may include  
any of the following COPE categories:  
(A) Glaucoma (GL).  
(B) Injection skills (IS).  
(C) Laser procedures (LP).  
(D) Peri-operative management of ophthalmic surgery (PO).  
(E) Surgery procedures (Optometric) (SP).  
(F) Treatment and management of ocular disease (TD).  
(G) Neuro-optometry (NO).  
(H) Pharmacology (PH).  
(I) Systemic diseases (SD).  
(iv) The number of hours related to pain management, which may include any of the  
following COPE categories:  
(A) Pharmacology (PH).  
(B) Treatment and management of ocular disease (TD).  
(C) Functional vision/pediatrics (FV).  
History: 2023 AACS; 2025 MR 11, Eff. May 9, 2025.  
R 338.333 Approved continuing education activities; limitations; documentation.  
Rule 33. The board approves all of the following as continuing education if the  
subject matter falls within an approved COPE category as listed in R  
338.332(7)(n):  
Activity and Proof of Completion  
Number of Hours of Continuing Education  
Granted or Allowed for Activity  
(a)  
Attendance at a continuing education One hour of continuing education in clinical  
program related to optometric topics optometry is earned for each 50 to 60 minutes  
approved for category 1 continuing of program attendance. A maximum of 8  
education by the Michigan board of hours of continuing education may be earned  
for this activity in each renewal period.  
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medicine or the Michigan board of  
osteopathic medicine and surgery.  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of  
a letter or certificate of completion  
showing the licensee’s name, number of  
credits earned, sponsor name or the name  
of the organization that approved the  
program or activity for continuing  
education credit, and the date or dates that  
the program was held or activity  
completed.  
(b)  
Attendance at a continuing education One hour of continuing education in  
program  
related  
to  
optometric pharmacological management is earned for  
pharmacological topics approved for each 50 to 60 minutes of program attendance.  
continuing education by the Michigan A maximum of 8 hours of continuing  
board of pharmacy.  
education may be earned for this activity in  
each renewal period. Applicants for renewal  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of who hold certification to administer topical  
a letter or certificate of completion ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents or  
showing the licensee’s name, number of certification to administer and prescribe  
credits earned, sponsor name or the name therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, or both,  
of the organization that approved the may earn hours of continuing education hours  
program or activity for continuing without limitation.  
education credit, and the date or dates that  
the program was held or activity  
completed.  
(c)  
(d)  
Initial presentation of or at a continuing One hour of continuing education in the  
education program approved by the board. appropriate COPE category is earned for each  
50 to 60 minutes of program presentation,  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter without limitation.  
from the program’s sponsor, verifying the  
licensee’s presentation of educational  
materials and lecture at the continuing  
education program.  
Initial presentation of a scientific exhibit, Two hours of continuing education in clinical  
poster, or paper to a professional optometry are earned for each presentation.  
optometric organization.  
No additional credit is granted for preparation  
of the presentation.  
If audited, the licensee shall submit a copy  
of the document presented with evidence  
of presentation or a letter from the program  
sponsor verifying the date of the  
presentation.  
(e)  
Initial publication of either of the Six hours of continuing education in clinical  
following:  
optometry are earned for serving as the  
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(i) A scientific article relating to the primary author. Three hours of continuing  
practice of optometry in a peer-reviewed education in clinical optometry are earned for  
journal or periodical.  
serving as a secondary author.  
(ii) A chapter or a portion of a chapter  
related to the practice of optometry in  
either a professional healthcare textbook or  
peer-reviewed textbook.  
If audited, the licensee shall submit a copy  
of the publication that identifies the  
licensee as the author or a publication  
acceptance letter and documentation of the  
peer-review process.  
(f)  
Participating on either of the following:  
Six hours of continuing education in clinical  
(i) A peer review committee dealing with optometry are earned for participating on a  
quality of patient care as it relates to the committee. A maximum of 6 hours of  
practice of optometry.  
continuing education may be earned for this  
(ii) A national or state committee, board, activity in each renewal period.  
council, or association related to the  
practice of optometry.  
Participation on a committee, board,  
council, or association is considered  
acceptable by the board if it enhances the  
participant’s knowledge and understanding  
of the field of optometry.  
If audited, the licensee shall submit a letter  
from an organization official verifying the  
licensee’s participation in at least 50% of  
the regularly scheduled meetings of the  
committee, board, council, or association.  
(g)  
Taking and passing any nationally Every 2 years, 12 hours of continuing  
recognized  
examination in optometry.  
advanced  
competency education in pharmacology management or  
clinical optometry are earned.  
History: 2023 AACS; 2025 MR 11, Eff. May 9, 2025.  
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;