To whom must all licensed optometrists report their business relationship with a registered dispensing optician?

To whom must all licensed optometrists report their business relationship with a registered dispensing optician?

• A. The local health department
• B. Their employer
• C. The State Board of Optometry
• D. The Federal Trade Commission

Answer: (C)

Licensed optometrists are required to report their business relationship with a registered dispensing optician to the State Board of Optometry. This requirement is in place to ensure transparency in the relationships between optometrists and dispensing opticians, which can help prevent conflicts of interest and guarantee that patient care remains the primary focus. The State Board of Optometry oversees the practice of optometry in California and maintains regulations that are aimed at protecting public health and welfare. By reporting these relationships, optometrists help uphold professional standards and accountability within the field, which is crucial for maintaining trust in the healthcare system. The other options, while they may involve oversight or regulation in other contexts, do not specifically pertain to the requirement for reporting business relationships with dispensing opticians. The local health department oversees public health measures; employers would typically be concerned with internal operations rather than regulatory compliance; and the Federal Trade Commission focuses on anti-trust issues and competition rather than specific state licensing relationships.

Licensed optometrists are required to report their business relationship with a registered dispensing optician to the State Board of Optometry. This requirement is in place to ensure transparency in the relationships between optometrists and dispensing opticians, which can help prevent conflicts of interest and guarantee that patient care remains the primary focus. The State Board of Optometry oversees the practice of optometry in California and maintains regulations that are aimed at protecting public health and welfare. By reporting these relationships, optometrists help uphold professional standards and accountability within the field, which is crucial for maintaining trust in the healthcare system.

The other options, while they may involve oversight or regulation in other contexts, do not specifically pertain to the requirement for reporting business relationships with dispensing opticians. The local health department oversees public health measures; employers would typically be concerned with internal operations rather than regulatory compliance; and the Federal Trade Commission focuses on anti-trust issues and competition rather than specific state licensing relationships.