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.

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News & Updates

Chapters 277 & 279 – Rules Review – Comment Period Closed

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the rules reflect current procedures; that no changes to a rule as currently in effect are necessary; or that a rule is no longer valid or applicable.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 sought comments on the rules as written – including suggested amendments, repeal, or support of the rule as written. Submitted comments will be reviewed by the Rules Committee at the meeting on May 14, 2026.

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.

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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 became effective on March 16, 2026. Find more information here.

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Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office Review

Created by the Texas Legislature in 2025, the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO) is charged with reviewing state agency rules and procedures to reduce regulatory burdens; eliminate waste, fraud, and unnecessary rules; and increase transparency for Texas taxpayers.

TREO has recommended that the Board review the following rules as written. Suggestions have been made to consolidate language, repeal rules (with adoption of Board policy), and other changes.

• 22 TAC 271.8 – Converting Optometric License to Therapeutic Optometric License (Sunset as optometric licensee population is small)
• 22 TAC 271.12 – License Designation (Eliminate statute duplication language in rule)
• 22 TAC 272.4 – Public Participation in Meetings (Repeal and create Board policy)
• 22 TAC 273.1 – Surrender of License (Determine if still necessary)
• 22 TAC 273.3 – Contact Lenses as Prize or Premium (Determine if still necessary)
• 22 TAC 273.10 – Nonrenewal for Failure to Pay Child Support
• 22 TAC 280.10 – Optometric Glaucoma Specialist: Administration and Prescribing of Oral Medications and Anti-Glaucoma Drugs (Eliminate statute/federal law duplication in rule & update e-prescribing authority)

The following rules were noted for change by TREO and also will be addressed during the quadrennial rule review.

• 22 TAC 277.1 – Complaint Procedures (Eliminate statute duplication requirements/remove language not required by statute)
• 22 TAC 277.2 – Disciplinary Proceedings (Eliminate statute duplication language in rule/modernize delivery of notice requirements)
• 22 TAC 277.7 – Patient Records
• 22 TAC 277.9 – Alternative Dispute Resolution (Repeal and create Board policy)
• 22 TAC 279.1 – Contact Lens Examination (Modernize language)
• 22 TAC 279.2 – Contact Lens Prescriptions (Modernize language)
• 22 TAC 279.3 – Spectacle Examination (Modernize language)
• 22 TAC 279.4 – Spectacle Prescriptions (Modernize language)
• 22 TAC 279.12 – Relationship with Dispensing Optician – Separation of Offices (Modernize language)

If you are interested in learning more about the TREO recommendations for these rules or want to provide feedback, email janice.mccoy@tob.texas.gov. Comments are due by April 3, 2026.

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Upcoming Meeting Schedule

• May 14, 2026 (virtual)
• July 30-31, 2026
• November 13, 2026

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Scam Alert

Phone scams are becoming much more common and sophisticated. TOB has received numerous reports of scams where the scammer “spoofs” TOB’s number, making it appear that the call is originating directly from TOB even though it’s not.

Phone scams often seek to frighten the recipient into action, such as sending sensitive personal information and/or account information, and/or demand the licensee send money.

Please see THIS NOTICE regarding written scams.

As a reminder to all licensees, always be suspicious of phone calls or 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.