CA State Board of Optometry

Congratulations to the Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry Class of 2026 on your graduation!

Congratulations to the Marshall B. Ketchum University Class of 2026 on your graduation!

Congratulations to the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science Class of 2026 on your graduation!

37 million U.S. adults live with AMD, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma; conditions that can cause vision loss. Healthy choices + regular eye exams can reduce risk. Learn more at: https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/education-and-outreach/healthy-vision-resources/healthy-vision-month

April is Sports Eye Safety Month! Protect your vision while you play, wear protective sports eyewear, and learn how to prevent eye injuries on the field, court, or pool.
Learn more: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries-sports

Each year, nearly 25,000 Americans visit the emergency room due to a workplace eye injury. Many of these injuries are preventable. This month, we’re reminding employers and workers to make eye safety a priority, wear certified, approved eye protection, follow safety protocols, and encourage regular eye exams.
Learn more:
🔗 Eye Safety Tips: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries

The Board has released its Winter 2026 edition of The Spectacle, the Board's quarterly newsletter. Please view it here:
https://www.optometry.ca.gov/formspubs/spectacle_wi_2026.pdf

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Low Vision Awareness Month. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults and early detection is key. Get regular eye exams, and if you notice blurred central vision, trouble reading, or recognizing faces, make an appointment with a licensed optometrist. Learn more about AMD and low vision resources:

- https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/education-and-outreach/vision-rehabilitation-resources/low-vision-awareness-month

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma often has no early symptoms and can cause irreversible vision loss. Protect your sight, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with a licensed optometrist today.
Learn more:
• https://www.nei.nih.gov/
• https://www.optometry.ca.gov
• https://www.aoa.org

The California State Board of Optometry will be closed Thursday, January 1, 2026, in observance of the New Year.
Resources are available online at www.optometry.ca.gov
Happy New Year!