(a) Pursuant to Acts 2019, No. 579, codified in Arkansas Code § 17-90-101(a)(3)(D), Arkansas-licensed optometric physicians shall be credentialed to perform authorized procedures listed in Arkansas Code § 17-90-101(a)(3)(D) if:

1. (1) The applicant provides proof of holding an Arkansas license to practice as an optometric physician and is in good standing;

2. (2) The applicant provides proof of satisfactory completion of a course of instruction completed not more than five (5) years prior to application of credentialing, provided that the course:

   1. (A) Is provided by an accredited college of:

(i) Optometry;

1. (ii) Osteopathy; or

   1. (iii) Medicine;
   2. (B) Includes a minimum of thirty-two (32) clock hours in length;
   3. (C) Is sponsored by an organization approved by the board;

   4. (D) Includes the following didactic classroom instructions:

      1. (i) Laser physics, hazards, and safety;
      2. (ii) Biophysics of lasers;
      3. (iii) Laser application on clinical optometry;
      4. (iv) Laser tissue interactions;
      5. (v) Laser indications, contraindications, and potential complications;
      6. (vi) Gonioscopy;
      7. (vii) Laser therapy for open angle glaucoma;
      8. (viii) Laser therapy for angle closure glaucoma;
      9. (ix) Posterior capsulotomy;
      10. (x) Common complications: lids, lashes, lacrimal system;
      11. (xi) Medicolegal aspects of anterior segment procedures;
      12. (xii) Peripheral iridotomy;
      13. (xiii) Laser trabeculoplasty;
      14. (xiv) Minor surgical procedures;
      15. (xv) Overview of surgical instruments, asepsis, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration;
      16. (xvi) Surgical anatomy of the eyelids;
      17. (xvii) Emergency surgical procedures; (xviii) Chalazion management;
      18. (xix) Local anesthesia: techniques and complications;
      19. (xx) Anaphylaxis and other office emergencies;
      20. (xxi) Radiofrequency surgery; and
      21. (xxii) Postoperative wound care; and

   5. (E) Includes the following clinical or laboratory experience:

      1. (i) Video demonstration; and
      2. (ii) In vitro observation or participation.

(b) Once applicant satisfactorily completes education requirements listed in this part in subdivision (a)(2) of this section, the applicant must satisfactorily complete a:

1. (1) Written test administered or approved by the State Board of Optometry on aspects of the Arkansas Optometry Practice Act pertaining to this subpart;
2. (2) Clinical examination administered or approved by the board pertaining to this subpart; and
3. (3) Written jurisprudence examination administered by the board pertaining to this subpart.