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Welcome to the Optometry Homepage
The State Board of Optometry regulates the practice of optometry in Colorado. The Board does not regulate eye clinics or opticians. Board activities include licensing optometrists, investigating complaints against optometrists and the unlicensed practice of optometry, and enforcing disciplinary actions against violators of the Optometric Practice Act and Board Rules. The Board is made up of seven members: five licensed optometrists and two public members.
Program Information
- Program/Board Members
Karen Phelan, Program Director
State Board of Optometry
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202Phone: 303-894-7800 | Fax: 303-894-7764 | Email: dora_optometryboard@state.co.us
Regulation History:
- 1913: The Colorado State Board of Optometric Examiners was created, which is now the State Board of Optometry
To learn more about the Division History please review the Regulation Dates By Profession pamphlet.
Board Members:
- Colleen Daywalt, Public Member, President
Public Member | Term Expires: April 15, 2029 - Karen Higashi-Reynolds, O.D., Vice President
Optometrist Member | Term Expires: April 15, 2026 - Rupa Patel, O.D.
Optometrist Member | Term Expires: April 15, 2028 - Charles Philpy, O.D.
Optometrist Member | Term Expires: April 15, 2028 - Rachel DeDeyn, Public Member
Public Member | Term Expires: April 15, 2028 - Katherine Bond, O.D.
Optometrist Member | Term Expires: April 15, 2029 - Jessica Schuman, O.D.
Optometrist Member | Term Expires: April 15, 2029
- Public Notices
Colorado State Board of Optometry - Rulemaking Hearing – August 7, 2025
The purpose of this Permanent Rulemaking Hearing is to allow stakeholders a final opportunity to testify before the Board determines on proposed revisions to Rule 1.28 - CONCERNING HEALTH CARE PROVIDER DISCLOSURES TO CONSUMERS ABOUT THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF RECEIVING EMERGENCY OR NONEMERGENCY SERVICES FROM AN OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDER and APPENDIX B – YOUR RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS AGAINST SURPRISE MEDICAL BILLS. The purpose of the proposed rules is to establish requirements for health-care providers to disclose to covered persons who are utilizing a health benefit plan about the potential of “balance billing” when receiving 1) post-stabilization services or 2) covered non-emergency services from an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility.
- Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. (MDT)
- Rulemaking Hearing Notice
- Draft Rules
- Webinar Registration
- Written comments (Link will be updated as comments are received.)
- Legislative Updates
- Meeting Minutes