Can the board revoke a license based on personal habits?

The board cannot use personal habits as the sole grounds for revoking a license, as personal habits may not directly impact an optometrist's ability to practice safely and effectively. In California optometry regulations, the focus is on professional conduct and competency in the practice of optometry. Personal habits, unless they adversely affect professional performance or lead to misconduct, typically do not warrant disciplinary action.

For instance, if an optometrist's personal behavior leads to substance abuse or criminal acts that affect their practice or endanger patient safety, that could be grounds for disciplinary actions. However, personal habits that do not intersect with professional responsibilities or patient care often fall outside the board's disciplinary purview. The law emphasizes protecting public health and safety, which means the criteria for license revocation must be tied to professional behavior rather than personal lifestyle choices. Thus, while personal habits can be concerning, they must have a clear and direct impact on professional conduct to influence a board decision regarding licensing.