Which of the following statements is true regarding lease payments for optometrists?

The statement that lease payments cannot be based on specific performance metrics is accurate, particularly within the context of California Optometry Laws and regulations. This regulation is in place to prevent any financial arrangement that may create a conflict of interest. Optometrists must maintain independent professional judgment, free from any external financial influence that may arise from the volume of services or prescriptions they provide.

If lease payments were linked to performance metrics such as the number of eye exams performed, patient referrals, or prescriptions written, it could potentially compromise the quality of care, as practitioners might prioritize profit over patient welfare. Therefore, the law clearly outlines that optometrists should engage in lease agreements that maintain their autonomy and uphold ethical standards, ensuring that their clinical decisions are based solely on the best interests of their patients rather than financial incentives.