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CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION:

  • Gov. Hogan Press Release 10/20/20 Re: Draft Covid Vaccination Plan
    For your information, press release on the vaccination plan submitted by MDH to the CDC.


  • Attorney General's COVID-19 Access to Justice Task Force - Surviving Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Committee Survey
    Dear Service Provider, The Maryland Attorney General’s COVID-19 Access to Justice Task Force - Surviving Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Committee is collecting information about the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable individuals and communities across the state. The attached surveys were designed to ensure that all Maryland residents affected by COVID-19 have their voices heard by our government, legislators and those who provide CRITICAL SERVICES during these pandemic times
    Your input will help us ensure that the communities you serve are well represented in the conversation surrounding budget and services to address the effects of COVID-19.
    There are two confidential surveys, one for service providers and another for individuals receiving services or residents of facilities. The surveys will be open until November 1, 2020.
    Access the Service Providers Survey Here


  • 8/10/20 COVID-19 Update
    Renewal of Declaration of State of Emergency - Voting and Healthcare Provider Immunity


  • 8/6/20 COVID-19 Update
    Amended Directive and Order - COVID-19 Testing & Reporting
    The revised health care matters order makes the following change that affects individuals licensed by Maryland health occupations boards. The Board, however, cannot provide any guidance to licensed optometrists relevant to this order. In addition to those individuals already authorized to collect COVID-19 specimens for testing, any individual licensed, registered, or certified by MDH or a MD health occupations board who has appropriate training may collect COVID-19 test specimens. (page 3)


  • 7/1/20 COVID -19 Update - MDH Order - Amended Various Healthcare Matters - COVID Testing on Demand


  • Extension of 6/30/20 Deadline for 10- Hour Mandatory Course

TPA certified optometrists who graduated prior to July 1, 2019 are required by law to take a mandatory 10-hour course prior to July 1, 2020 to maintain TPA certification. Please read this notice about the extension of the June 30, 2020 deadline.

CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION ARCHIVE

Upcoming Events

Notice of Public Meeting

Subject: Open Meeting
Date: Nov. 18, 2020
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Call-in number: TBD‬
Access code: ‪TBD

---Open Session Agenda---

Announcements

More News-->> ​​​​​

Renewal License Expiration Extended During State of Emergency
June 30, 2020 marked the license expiration date for some licensed optometrists. The Board continues to accept and process renewal applications during the Maryland state of emergency, which is still in effect. According to Governor Hogan’s Executive Order regarding Licenses-Permits-Registration, expiration dates may be extended. Therefore, an optometrist with a license that expired on June 30, 2020 and has not renewed to date, may continue to practice under the current license until 30 days after the state of emergency has terminated. After that period, the license will expire unless the optometrist has taken some action relative to the license. The licensee can either renew it, place it on inactive status or simply allow it to expire. You may read the full text of the Executive Order here: Amended Executive Order: License Expiration Extended.
The Board will keep its licensees informed about the status of the expiration date as updates from the Governor become available regarding the state of emergency. We understand that every individual is navigating through this unprecedented, challenging and difficult time. The Board wants licensees to be safe and stay well. Please feel free to reach out to staff via the Board’s general email address at mdh.optometry@maryland.gov if you have further questions. Phone messages may be delayed. Thank you for your patience.

 

 

BOARD OFFICE

Board of Examiners in Optometry
4201 Patterson Avenue, Room 307
Baltimore, MD 21215-2299
Office: 410-764-4710
Fax: 410-358-2906
Email: mdh.optometry@maryland.gov
Web: www.health.maryland.gov/optometry