Which of the following is NOT a condition under which the board may hold a formal hearing?

The correct answer is based on the premise that the board is more likely to hold formal hearings for serious allegations or repeated violations rather than for first-time offenses. Formal hearings are typically reserved for cases that involve misconduct such as gross negligence, fraud, or repeated offenses, as these conditions indicate a potential pattern of unethical behavior that warrants a thorough investigation and adjudication.

In most jurisdictions, first-time offenses may be addressed with warnings, reprimands, or other disciplinary measures that do not require the extensive process of a formal hearing. This approach encourages compliance and education rather than punitive measures for a sole transgression, emphasizing the goal of improving practice standards rather than solely punishing minor errors. Understanding this framework is crucial for optometrists as it reflects the regulatory body's commitment to upholding standards while also providing opportunities for corrective action in less severe cases.