Each applicant for licensure as an optometrist shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant:

1. A. has reached the age of majority; and
2. B. has graduated and been awarded a doctor of optometry degree from a school or college of optometry approved and accredited by the board. In the event the applicant applies for licensure by endorsement, the applicant shall have been awarded a doctor of optometry degree from a school or college of optometry, approved and accredited by the board, which had a minimum course of study of four thousand clock hours of instruction leading to that degree.

History: 1953 Comp., § 67-1-7, enacted by Laws 1973, ch. 353, § 7; 2021, ch. 70, § 7; 2022, ch. 39, § 12.

ANNOTATIONS

Cross references. — For the age of majority, see 28-6-1 NMSA 1978.

For the Parental Responsibility Act, see 4-5A-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.

The 2022 amendment, effective May 18, 2022, revised the qualifications for licensure as an optometrist; deleted former Subsections B and C, which required an applicant for licensure as an optometrist to be of good moral character and to be a high school graduate or its equivalent; and redesignated former Subsection D as Subsection B.

The 2021 amendment, effective June 18, 2021, removed proof of naturalization or United States citizenship as a requirement for licensure as an optometrist; and deleted former Subsection D and redesignated the succeeding subsection accordingly.

Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. — 61 Am. Jur. 2d Physicians, Surgeons and Other Healers §§ 51 to 62.

Constitutionality of statutes and validity of regulations relating to optometry, 98 A.L.R. 905, 22 A.L.R.2d 939.

Validity of governmental regulation of optometry, 22 A.L.R.2d 939.

70 C.J.S. Physicians, Surgeons, and Other Health-Care Providers § 19.