37-10-302. Qualifications -- application. (1) The board shall adopt rules relative to and governing the qualifications of applicants for licensure as optometrists and the qualifications for certification of licensed optometrists to perform laser surgical procedures.

(2) A person is not eligible to receive a license unless that person is of good moral character.

(3) A person is not eligible to receive a license unless that person has graduated from an accredited school of optometry in which the practice and science of optometry is taught in a course of study that is accredited by the association of regulatory boards of optometry.

(4) An applicant for a license shall file a completed application on a form provided by the department and pay a fee prescribed by the board.

(5) The board shall certify an optometrist to perform laser surgical procedures on verification that the optometrist has successfully completed the required didactic and clinical training from an accredited optometry school or college. The training must cover the use of lasers for medically recognized and appropriate treatment of the human eye. On certification, the board shall issue a license indicating that the optometrist is certified to perform laser surgery pursuant to this section.