CA State Board of Optometry

12/15/2025

Food banks are still feeling overwhelming need this holiday season. State workers: Please join us in donating food or gift cards to help those in need.

🗓️ When? Now through January 9, 2026.

🥫 What? Non-perishable food items and gift cards.

📦 How? Visit www.fooddrive.ca.gov to learn about opportunities to donate, volunteer, and more.

12/05/2025

Until recently, the only FDA-approved product to slow nearsightedness (myopia) in children were daily disposable contacts.

But now, the FDA has approved glasses that can slow nearsightedness progression in kids by 70%.

What is nearsightedness and how can you treat it? Click the link and read more about the new technology in the Los Angeles Times. Then visit www.search.dca.ca.gov and make an annual eyecare appointment with a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.

https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2025-12-02/new-fda-approved-glasses-can-slow-nearsightedness-in-kids #:~:text=The%20specialized%20glasses%2C%20sold%20under%20the%20brand%20Essilor%20Stellest%2C%20are,to%2012%2Dyear%2Dolds.&text=The%20FDA%20said%20it%20cleared,their%20myopia%20after%20two%20years.

11/26/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from the California State Board of Optometry!
We're grateful for the hardworking eye-care professionals who keep California seeing clearly. Wishing you a safe, healthy, and joyful holiday. 🍁🦃👓
Please note: The Board will be closed on November 27-28, 2025, in observance of Thanksgiving.

11/21/2025

The Board is aware of ongoing fraud schemes targeting licensees. Protect yourself this holiday season by following these tips:

1. Refuse payment and never share banking, credit, or personal information.
2. The Board will never ask for credit/debit information via a letter or over the phone.
3. End the call without explanation if it appears suspicious.
4. Contact the Board directly to verify the issue.

Read the Board's latest Scam Alert, here:

10/29/2025

As you search for Halloween costumes this week, remember: Contact lenses aren't souvenirs. Please only purchase them from a licensed CSBO optometrist or optician. Find out more about why Contact Lenses Must be Dispensed by a Professional: https://thedcapage.blog/2024/10/31/contact-lenses-must-be-dispensed-by-a-professional/

10/02/2025

📣Starting today, California OD’s will be authorized to use radiofrequency tech to treat dry eyes. This new regulation was advocated by COA and is only possible because of the dedication of .

Check out our FAQ sheet for more information!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RI2Gdc_Tk4dxPzTRuGzzDyB4cRiZ50KJ/view

09/23/2025

Access the Summer 2025 edition of The Spectacle, the Board's newsletter here:https://www.optometry.ca.gov/formspubs/spectacle_su_2025.pdf

05/23/2025

Congratulations Marshall B. Ketchum University, Class of 2025, on your commencement!

05/23/2025

Congratulations Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science Class of 2025 on your commencement!

05/16/2025

The Mobile Optometric Office Program authorizes nonprofits and charitable organizations to bring eyecare directly to patients in the community. Effective January 2025, registration is required. Visit the informational page here: https://www.optometry.ca.gov/optometrist/moo_info.shtml

05/16/2025

05/16/2025