All optometrists licensed in the State of Maine are required to take annual courses in subjects related to the practice of the profession of optometry, to the end that the utilization and application of new techniques, scientific and technical advances, the use of pharmaceutical agents and treatment of ocular diseases and the achievements of research will assure comprehensive vision care to the public. The length of study is determined by the board, but in no event may the length be less than 15 hours nor exceed 30 hours in any calendar year. Optometrists authorized to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents shall complete at least 25 hours of Category 1 continuing education, approved by the American Optometric Association, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmologists or the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education, of which 15 hours must be in diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease. Attendance must be at a course or courses approved by the board and certified to the board upon a form provided by the board and submitted by each optometrist at the time of application to the board for license renewal accompanied by the annual renewal fee. The board shall notify all optometrists licensed in this State of all courses approved by it at least 15 days prior to the offering of each course.   [PL 1995, c. 606, §8 (AMD).]

The board may waive this continuing education requirement in cases of illness or undue hardship. If an applicant for license renewal fails to comply with this continuing education provision and action has not been taken by the board to waive the requirements because of the causes specified, then the board may not renew the license, except that in its discretion, it may renew the license conditionally with the provision that within 6 months the applicant shall fulfill the requirements.   [PL 1995, c. 606, §8 (AMD).]