Is it legal for opticians to advertise the availability of services by ODs or OMDs?

In California, opticians are not permitted to advertise the availability of services offered by optometrists (ODs) or ophthalmologists (OMDs). This law is in place to maintain clear professional boundaries and to ensure that the advertising practices align with the ethical standards set forth in the California Business and Professions Code. The intention behind this regulation is to prevent misleading the public about the roles and qualifications of different eye care providers, as well as to ensure that patients receive clear and accurate information about their options when seeking eye care services.

This prohibition helps to uphold the integrity of the optometry profession and protects consumers from potential confusion regarding who is providing their eye care. It reaffirms that advertising practices should accurately reflect the scope of services provided by each type of practitioner without implying affiliations or services that don't exist.