# Health Occupations (GHO)

## Title 11. Optometrists

### Subtitle 5. Prohibited Acts; Penalties

#### Section 11-501

Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person may not practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice optometry in this State unless licensed by the Board.

#### Section 11-502

Unless licensed to practice optometry under this title, a person may not represent to the public by title, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person practices optometry.

#### Section 11-504

(a) Knowingly selling or dispensing contact lenses or replacement contact lenses without a valid and unexpired prescription or replacement contact lens prescription shall be considered a violation of this title.

(b) The Board shall investigate any alleged violation of this section or Sec. 11-404.4 of this title and may, notwithstanding Sec. 11-205 of this title:

  (1) Issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and examine witnesses; and

  (2) Enforce any provision of this title by injunction or other appropriate proceedings.

(c) An action under this section is in addition to and not instead of criminal prosecution under Sec. 11-505 of this subtitle.

#### Section 11-505

(a) A person who violates any provision of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both.

(b)

  (1) This subsection does not apply to:

    (i) An individual licensed under Title 14, Subtitle 3 of this article; or

    (ii) An individual supervised by an individual licensed under Title 14, Subtitle 3 of this article.

  (2) A person who violates Sec. 11-501, Sec. 11-502, or Sec. 11-504 of this subtitle is subject to a civil fine not exceeding $50,000 to be assessed by the Board in accordance with regulations adopted by the Board.

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Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)