If a license has been expired for 5 or more years, what must be done to regain licensure?

To regain licensure after a license has been expired for five years or more, the requirement is to apply for a new license, as renewal of the expired license is not permitted. This reflects the regulations in place to ensure that individuals practicing optometry maintain their skills and knowledge in a rapidly changing medical field.

When a license has been inactive for such a prolonged period, it is understood that the individual may not be up to date with current practices, technology, and standards of care. Therefore, the process of applying for a new license typically entails a more comprehensive evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications and readiness to practice competently.

This requirement emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all practicing optometrists meet current professional standards, which might not be the case if someone were simply allowed to renew an extensive-expired license without meeting modern requirements. This policy ultimately aims to protect public safety and ensure quality care in the field of optometry.