Licensees

How do I change my name or replace my original license (8.5x11) wall certificate?

In order for the Board to change the legal name in which your Optometry license was originally issued, you are required to submit one of the following: a marriage certificate specifying the name change following marriage; a divorce or dissolution of marriage decree specifying the name change, or other court order specifying the name change. Merely copy the document and fax, scan and email, or mail the copy to the Board office. Board staff will update your individual record once the official documentation is received. You must have an accurate license certificate posted in your office for the public to validate your official name and license. Current public information must correspond to the name and practice locations provided on the board’s website.

If you require a new 8.5 x 11 wall certificate with your new legal name you must complete a form and submit it to the board office with the fee along with the original wall certificate issued to you with your previous name. If you lose or damage your original wall certificate you may request a replacement by completing the same form.
How do I change my address, email, or telephone?
How do I have a License Verification sent to another state?

Most states require official verification of your Minnesota license. Go online to the home page and complete the Official License Verification Request. A fee of $50.00 for each verification is required to review your file, and submit the required information to the state referenced. If the state requires their 'own form', the OD can submit a personal check or money order and written request to proceed. The license verification will be sent within 72 hours of the receipt of the request. The unofficial 'Verify a License' is a free public look up service and is not valid for the official license verification required of other state licensing boards.
How do I change my Practice Locations?
How do I request a duplicate or replacement (3 X 5) license renewal card?

If you are making a name change, need a duplicate or duplicates, lose or damage the annual license card (3x5) use this form to get a replacement license card. There is a $10.00 fee (check only) for each card. Duplicates or replacements can also be ordered online and paid by credit card through your online account.

For name changes you must submit a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree or official government issued document with the completed form, most current license card issued to you and fee (check only). If name changes are done during the renewal period submit the copy of document indicating the name change before you renew your license. Your new annual license card will be issued in your new name. If done after you renew your license you will have to request a new card and pay the $10.00 fee.
Do I need to file my Professional Firm with the Board?

Minnesota Statutes 319B, The Professional Firms Act requires that any Optometrist that is organized as a corporation, a limited liability partnership, or a limited liability company must register with the Board (filed under 302A, 317A, or 322B). If you are unsure about which category your professional firm falls under, you may find your business information using the Secretary of State's website by searching via your practice name.
Please see the professional firms page on our website for more information and registration forms.
Can an Optometrist prescribe Medical Cannabis?

Background: The Minnesota Legislature approved a medical marijuana-medical cannabis law in 2014. Patients with a qualifying medical condition and a prescription order from a defined health care practitioner may legally obtain medical cannabis beginning July 1, 2015. Currently, Minnesota laws do not include Licensed Optometrists within the health care practitioner definitions or those authorized to diagnose a qualifying medical condition.

Minnesota Statutes 152.22; Enacted July 1, 2014

Subd. 4. Health care practitioner.

"Health care practitioner" means a Minnesota licensed doctor of medicine, a Minnesota licensed physician assistant acting within the scope of authorized practice, or a Minnesota licensed advanced practice registered nurse who has the primary responsibility for the care and treatment of the qualifying medical condition of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.

Subd. 14. Qualifying medical condition.

"Qualifying medical condition" means a diagnosis of any of the following conditions: (1) cancer, if the underlying condition or treatment produces one or more of the following:

(i) severe or chronic pain;

(ii) nausea or severe vomiting; or

(iii) cachexia or severe wasting;

(2) glaucoma;

(3) human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome;

(4) Tourette's syndrome;

(5) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis;

(6) seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy;

(7) severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis;

(8) Crohn's disease;

(9) terminal illness, with a probable life expectancy of under one year, if the illness or its treatment produces one or more of the following:

(i) severe or chronic pain;

(ii) nausea or severe vomiting; or

(iii) cachexia or severe wasting; or

(10) any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the commissioner.