Caleb Gardner

The Alabama Board of Optometry convened a teleconference to discuss several key issues. The board addressed the expiration of mandates postponing routine care and considered publishing an advisory for safely resuming clinical functions. They also discussed and rescheduled the Annual Meeting for Nominees. Furthermore, the board explored the possibility of administering the Written Examination for Licensure online and authorized the Executive Director to take necessary actions to implement online systems for applicants unable to attend the in-person administration.

The Alabama Board of Optometry held a teleconference to discuss recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), mandates from the Governor, and the State Health Office, leading to a motion to publish an advisory for safe practice. The board also decided to postpone the Annual Meeting for Nominees and temporarily suspend the limit on online continuing education hours for the upcoming license renewal period. Additionally, the possibility of administering the Written Examination for Licensure online was discussed.

The Alabama Board of Optometry met via teleconference to conduct board affairs. The board addressed the administration of the online Standard Examination for Licensure, which was previously approved for public health reasons. They approved a contract with attorney Mr. Wallace Mills for legal services for the upcoming fiscal year and hired Dr. Fred Wallace as Executive Director with a specified annual salary. The board authorized the Executive Director to pursue a contract for investigative services if needed and fixed the compensation for the Secretary-Treasurer at zero, transferring duties to the Executive Director. Board members were reminded of the rescheduled annual meeting and election of nominees.

The Alabama Board of Optometry convened to discuss several key issues. The board reviewed and approved requests for continuing education requirement waivers for specific doctors. They also discussed the continuing education requirements during the public health emergency and voted to extend the temporary suspension of the three-hour online CE limit through June 30, 2021. The board was also notified about the rescheduling of the Southern Educational Conference of Optometry and directed the Executive Director to seek out-of-state approval for board members and staff planning to attend. The recent passing of optometrist and former board member Dr. Ollie Powe was noted.

The Alabama Board of Optometry convened to discuss the administration of the 2020 standard examination for licensure, addressing challenges posed by current public health guidelines. They authorized the administration of the examination via an online system through the UAB School of Optometry, with provisions for candidates unable to take the online examination to test at the board office in Bessemer, Alabama. Additionally, the board discussed and rescheduled the annual meeting for nominating and electing nominees to be presented to the governor for appointment to the board.