This chapter does not prohibit a written contract for space, equipment or other services between any person, firm or corporation and an optometrist as authorized in section 2414.__ Such a contract may not be construed as the direct or indirect practice of optometry.

SUMMARY

This bill does the following:

1. Eliminates the prohibition on optometric practice on premises where nonoptometric materials are dispensed;

2. Eliminates the existing prohibition on "mercantile employment" of optometrists by clarifying related provisions;

3. Eliminates the prohibition on associations by any optometrist with a person, firm or corporation who is not a registered optometrist;

4. Permits optometrists to practice under a trade name like other medical professionals; and

5. Authorizes contracts for the practice of optometry in or on the premises of an optical shop or commercial or mercantile establishment and permits the joint marketing of the optometrist and mercantile or retail establishment.