Section 12. Functions and Powers of the Board. —

The Board is hereby vested with authority to:

1. Promulgate the rules and regulations for the practice of optometry, subject to the approval of the PRC and in accordance with the provisions of this Act;

2. Administer and enforce the rules and regulations specified in the preceding section;

3. Determine and prepare the contents of licensure examinations, adopt measures to ensure its integrity, check and rate the examination papers and submit the results thereof to the PRC;

4. Formulate and oversee, in consultation and coordination with the PRC, guidelines for the proper conduct of licensure examinations and the registration of optometrists;

5. Issue, suspend, revoke and reissue certificates of registration to qualified optometrists and renew their professional licenses;

6. Impose reasonable requirements and conditions, such as attendance in continuing education activities and programs, for the renewal of an optometrist's license to practice and for the purpose of upgrading the professional competence of optometrists;

7. Maintain a registry of optometrists in good standing;

8. Adopt, promulgate and disseminate the Code of Ethics for the practice of optometry in the Philippines;

9. Administer oaths in connection with the implementation of this Act;

10. Conduct hearings and investigations to resolve complaints against practitioners of optometry for malpractice, unethical and unprofessional conduct, and violations of this Act or its implementing rules and regulations, and in connection therewith, issue subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum and punish with contempt persons obstructing, impeding and/or otherwise interfering with the conduct of such proceedings;

11. Conduct ocular inspections of establishments and/or premises where optometric services are offered to ascertain that professional standards are complied with;

12. Upon application, to issue an order enjoining or abating the illegal practice of optometry by unqualified persons;

13. Impose fines and penalties, after due process and in accordance with the provision of this Act, for causes provided for by law or by the rules and regulations promulgated therefor;

14. Evaluate periodically the status of optometric education and recommend and/or adopt measures to upgrade and maintain its high standards;

15. Update the list of topical diagnostic pharmaceutical agents, specifically mydriatics, cycloplegics, miotics, anesthetics and diagnostic dyes, that may be used by optometrists, subject to the approval of the Department of Health and the Bureau of Food and Drugs; and

16. Study the conditions affecting the practice of optometry in all parts of the Philippines, and, whenever necessary, adopt such measures as may be deemed proper for the maintenance of good ethics and high professional standards of optometric practice.