CA AB2683

Authorizes optometrists to practice at health facilities and residential care facilities if they maintain a separate primary business office that is open to the public, licensed as a local business, and registered with the Board of Optometry.

Requires optometrists practicing at health facilities or residential care facilities to maintain patient records at their primary business office, disclose services provided, and retain records for a minimum of seven years.

Exempts optometrists who meet specified requirements from notifying the Board of Optometry of each health facility or residential care facility where they practice.

Expands authority for assistants to fit prescription lenses and perform specified eye examination duties in any setting where optometry or ophthalmology is practiced, including facilities licensed by the State Department of Public Health or State Department of Social Services, while under direct supervision of a physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist.

Clarifies that dispensing opticians cannot have proprietary interests with licensed physicians and that assistants fitting lenses under optometrist supervision are exempt from certain regulations.