Promoting Vision Health Across Texas
The Texas Optometry Board (TOB) promotes and protects the health and welfare of Texans by regulating the practice of optometry. We license and regulate optometrists, establish and enforce practice standards, and provide guidance to both professionals and the public. Whether you’re a licensed optometrist, a prospective applicant, or a Texas resident seeking information about eye care, the TOB is your trusted source for up-to-date information, resources, and support.
For Optometrists & Applicants
Access tools and information to stay in compliance with Texas laws and maintain your license to practice.
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For Consumers
Learn what to expect from optometric care and how to verify that your provider is licensed in the state of Texas.
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News & Updates
Rules Review – Comment Period Open
In accordance with Texas Government Code §2001.039, the Board is reviewing Chapter 277 – Practice and Procedure and Chapter 279 Interpretations.
During this review process, the Board may determine whether a specific rule requires amendments to refine the Board’s rules that govern the certification and practice of therapeutic optometry; whether the rules reflect current practice interpretations; whether the rules reflect current procedures; that no changes to a rule as currently in effect are necessary; or that a rule is no longer valid or applicable. Rules may also be combined or reduced for simplification and clarity when feasible.
The Board is seeking comments on the rules as written – including suggested amendments, repeal, or support of the rule as written.
As the notice was posted in the March 6, 2026 Texas Register, the deadline for comments Monday, April 6, 2026. Comments may be emailed to janice.mccoy@tob.texas.gov or mailed to Texas Optometry Board, Attn: Janice McCoy at 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 9.300, Austin, Texas 78701.
Any proposed amendments or repeal of a rule or chapter as a result of the review will be published in the Proposed Rules section of the Texas Register and will be open for an additional 30-day public comment period before final adoption or repeal.
Rules Adopted
At its February 20, 2026, Board meeting, the Board adopted rules related to informed consent for telehealth visits and related to military licensing. Those adopted rules were submitted to the Texas Register on February 24, 2026, and will be final on March 16, 2026. Find more information here.
December 31, 2025 License Expiration
Licenses with an expiration date of December 31, 2025 are now expired. Practicing with an expired license is considered the same as practicing without a license.
Late penalties will be automatically assessed when renewing.
Renewal applications are still open. Please be sure your continuing education is up to date in your CE Broker account prior to renewal.
Upcoming Meeting Schedule
- May 14, 2026 (virtual)
- July 30-31, 2026
- November 13, 2026
Scam Alert
Please see THIS NOTICE regarding a potential scam.
As a reminder to all licensees, always be suspicious of letters that demand you cease and desist practice or mention other things that seem unusual – especially if you have not received notice of a complaint from the Board.
The Board will not call seeking payment of administrative penalties – all notices of administrative penalty will be in writing and require you to send a check to the Board’s mailing address.