An optometrist who wishes to reactivate his Inactive License may do so by submitting to the Board a written request that his license be reinstated to “Active” status. This optometrist must (i) demonstrate he has met the continuing education requirements for the years his license was classified as “Inactive,” or (ii) petition the Board to waive some of the continuing education requirements based on showing evidence he/she has maintained their competency.for the years his/her license was inactive.
Such written request should include:
The optometrist’s full name as maintained on their “Inactive” license.
The optometrist’s license number.
A statement regarding what the optometrist has been doing while their license was inactive and the optometrist was not practicing optometry in North Carolina. If applicable, the statement should include:
Any optometric practice in any other jurisdiction at which the optometrist has practiced, including the name of such practice, and the city and state in which such practice occurred, and the dates of practice and hours per week/month the optometrist engaged in such practice.
Any healthcare practice other than optometry or work in a non healthcare profession at which the optometrist worked, whether compensated or non compensated.
A statement explaining any personal, family, or professional issues that led to or contributed to the optometrist changing their license from “Active” to “Inactive” status.
A statement describing any physical or mental health conditions or limitations which contributed to the optometrist changing their license from “Active” to “Inactive” status. In cases such as this, the Board may require the optometrist to provide a release so that the Board may obtain relevant medical records documenting the optometrist’s past and current physical /mental status.
A statement of the reasons why the optometrist desires to return their license to “Active” status.
Any other documents or information the OD believes to be relevant to their request for reinstatement
The Executive Director of the Board will form a committee to recommend to the full Board the conditions the optometrist must meet to restore their license to “Active” status. The committee will review the applicant’s written request and may request additional documents or information, and may meet with the optometrist before making its recommendations to the Board. Some of the criteria the Board may require are listed below under Restoration of a Revoked License.
LICENSES THAT HAVE “EXPIRED” ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REINSTATEMENT
North Carolina General Statutes section 90-121.4 (“Restoration of revoked license” - see below) provides the authority for the Board to restore a revoked license or a license of which an optometrist has otherwise been deprived (hereafter, this Policy uses the term “revoked” to refer to either a revoked license or a “deprived” license, as appropriate, and the term also includes licenses surrendered to the Board in connection with a consent order, in lieu of an investigation, or in lieu of a disciplinary hearing).
“N.C.G.S. § 90-121.4 Restoration of revoked license Whenever any optometrist has been deprived of his license, the North Carolina State Board of Examiners in Optometry in its discretion may restore said license upon due notice being given and hearing had, and satisfactory evidence produced or proper reformation of the licentiate, before restoration.”
To request restoration of a revoked license, the optometrist must submit a request, in writing, to the Board at the Board’s mailing address. Such written request must include:
The optometrist’s full name, and any names under which the optometrist previously was licensed by this Board.
The optometrist’s license number as issued by the Board.
The date upon which any order of the Board revoking such license was entered, and a description of the circumstances under which the optometrist’s license was revoked, including a description of any personal, family, or professional issues that led to or contributed to the revocation of such license.
An indication whether the optometrist has practiced optometry in any other jurisdiction subsequent to the revocation of her license, and if so, the name and address of such practice and a description of those activities.
Whether the optometrist has worked in any other healthcare profession subsequent to the revocation of her license, and if so, an identification of their employer and of place of work (address, city, and state) and a description of their activities in such profession.
If the optometrist has worked in a profession other than healthcare subsequent to the revocation of their license, an identification of their employer and place of work (address, city, and state) and a description of their activities in such profession.
Where physical or mental health conditions or limitations contributed to such license revocation, the Board may require the optometrist to provide a release so that the Board may obtain relevant medical records documenting the optometrist’s past and current physical /mental status.
A statement of the reasons why the optometrist desires to return to practice.
To the extent not already provided, a description of the efforts made by the optometrist to reform any behavior that led to their license being revoked, and any evidence of the objective results of those efforts.
Any other documents or information the OD believes to be relevant to their request for reinstatement
Once the Board has received all documents and information requested, the Board (or a committee thereof) will decide whether to conduct a formal or informal hearing for the purpose of determining whether the optometrist’s license will be restored.
A formal hearing is governed by the relevant provisions of the North Carolina Administrative Procedures Act and the Board’s rules. An informal hearing may include such procedures as the Board deems appropriate under the circumstances. Should the applicant not agree with the results of an informal hearing, they may request a full formal hearing before the Board.
At or following the hearing the Board will determine whether in its discretion satisfactory evidence has been presented to allow restoration of the revoked license. A decision to restore a revoked license may be subject to review or monitoring by the Board for a given period.
If the Board does not restore the optometrist’s license, the Board may offer the optometrist additional opportunities to demonstrate that the optometrist is entitled to restoration of their license, including an additional hearing should they meet certain terms and conditions imposed by the Board.
The Board may impose such terms and conditions upon an applicant for restoration of their license as the Board in its discretion deems appropriate, in order to assure that the optometrist is qualified to practice in North Carolina by education, training, and experience, and is mentally and physically capable of safely practicing optometry. Such terms and conditions may include, but are not limited to:
Requiring that the applicant obtain continuing education credits equivalent to or some portion of the number of credits required by the Board for the years such license was revoked.
Requiring that the applicant complete the NBEO CPDO Self-Assessment Evaluation (National Board of Examiners in Optometry – Continued Professional Development in Optometry Self Assessment Evaluation)
The Board also may determine that the optometrist has not demonstrated current educational and clinical experience, and may require that they instead take the Board’s clinical examination.
Adopted 2/20/2018
Amended 11/10/2022