The following qualifications must be met to be certified as an optometric physician:

1. (1) Optometrists licensed prior to the effective date of Acts 1997, Nos. 176 and 186, (February 17, 1997) who have:

   1. (A) Graduated from a college or school of optometry prior to Acts 1987, No. 101;
   2. (B) Passed an approved accredited post-graduate course of transcript quality in general and ocular therapy and pharmacology;
   3. (C) Passed a State Board of Optometry test in general and ocular therapy and pharmacology;
   4. (D) Passed a State Board of Optometry test on jurisprudence and other tests as required by the State Board of Optometry;
   5. (E) Completed the one hundred-hour internship program; and
   6. (F) Completed twenty (20) clock hours of a State Board of Optometry-approved oral therapeutic update CE course;

2. (2) Optometrists licensed prior to the effective date of Acts 1997, Nos. 176 and 186, (February 17, 1997) and graduated after the effective date of Acts 1987, No. 101, (July 20, 1987) who have:

   1. (A) Graduated from an accredited college or school of optometry;
   2. (B) Passed a State Board of Optometry test in general and ocular therapy and pharmacology;
   3. (C) Passed a State Board of Optometry test on jurisprudence and other tests as required by the State Board of Optometry;
   4. (D) Completed the one-hundred-hour internship program; and
   5. (E) Completed twenty (20) clock hours of a State Board of Optometry-approved oral therapeutic update CE course;

3. (3) Optometrists who are graduates of a school or college of optometry and who apply for licensure in Arkansas after the effective date of Acts 1997, Nos. 176 and 186, (February 17, 1997) must have:

   1. (A) Passed all parts of the National Board Examinations for Optometry;
   2. (B) Passed a State Board of Optometry test in general and ocular therapy and pharmacology;
   3. (C) Passed a State Board of Optometry test on jurisprudence and other tests as required by the State Board of Optometry; and
   4. (D) Completed the one hundred-hour internship program; or

4. (4) Arkansas licensed optometrists who are not included in the paragraphs above (DPA and non-DPA) and desire to become certified as an optometric physician must:

   1. (A) Pass a comprehensive accredited transcript quality course in general and ocular therapy and pharmacology from a school or college of optometry approved by the State Board of Optometry;
   2. (B) Pass a State Board of Optometry test on jurisprudence and rules, and other tests as required by the State Board of Optometry; and
   3. (C) Have completed the one hundred-hour internship program.

Codification Notes: “CE” means continuing education. "DPA" means diagnostic pharmaceutical agent.