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    Information on Minnesota State Agencies, Boards, Task Forces, and Commissions

    Compiled by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library

    Board of Optometry

    Also known as:
    Optometry Board
    Minnesota Board of Optometry
    Active dates:1901 -
    Authority:
    Minn. Stat. 148.52
    1901 Minn. Laws Chap. 269 Sec. 3
    Rule(s):
    Minn. Rules Chap. 6500
    Function:

    Examines and licenses persons wishing to practice optometry in Minnesota, promulgates rules and regulations consistent with state law, and receives and processes complaints pertaining to violations of the optometry statute. (2011)

    Preceded by:
    Minnesota State Board of Examiners in Optometry
    State Board of Optometry
    History:

    The board was created in 1901 and called the Minnesota State Board of Examiners in Optometry, 1901 General Laws of Minnesota Chap. 269, Sec. 3. It was changed to the State Board of Optometry in 1905 MN Revised Laws Ch. 35, 2320. In 1975 it became the Board of Optometry, 1975 MN Laws Chap. 136, Sec. 16. (2011)
    Membership:

    7 members; 2 public members as defined by Minnesota Statutes 214.02, and 5 Minnesota licensed optometrists; appointed by the governor. Membership terms, compensation of members, removal of members, the filling of membership vacancies, and fiscal year and reporting requirements shall be as provided in Minnesota Statutes 214.07 to 214.09. Members must file with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Meetings are held as required for current business.

    Entries for this agency in the Annual Compilation and Statistical Report of Multi-Member Agencies Report: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978.

    Note: This report provides membership details as well as meeting information and a summary of the group's activities.

    Internet resource:
    Minnesota Management & Budget Agency Profile
    Minnesota Board of Optometry
    Reports:
    Biennial Report to the Governor (1972/1974)
    Optometry Board Agency Profile, Minnesota Management and Budget (2010)
    Biennial Report of Examining and Licensing Boards (1976-1998)
    Minnesota Health Licensing Boards Biennial Reports (1998/2000-)
    Minnesota Board of Optometry: Report to the Legislature in Compliance with Minnesota Statutes Section 3D.06 (Sunset Review)
    Note: The Legislative Reference Library may have additional reports on or by this group available through our catalog.
    Documents/Articles:
    With narrowed eyes, optometrists and ophthalmologists view each other warily at the Capitol. Minnesota Reformer, 5/15/2025.
    News clippings and documents. Agencies Notebook Collection, 1958-2015.
    Record last updated: 02/06/2019
     

    Please contact a librarian with any questions. The Minnesota Agencies database is a work in progress.

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