Quality of care; inappropriate or substandard
care |
Complaints about providers outside of Oregon
unless the patient is in Oregon at the time of care |
|---|
| An impaired optometrist |
General billing or fee issues. Contact the Oregon DOJ Consumer Complaint division or the Better Business Bureau for these complants. Another resource is the National Insurance Crime Bureau if it's an auto or worker's comp related issue. |
|---|
| Inappropriate prescribing |
Complaints that an optometrist or their staff was rude
|
|---|
| An inappropriate relationship with a patient |
Complaints about insurance companies or health plans
If you allege improper insurance billing, contact DCBS's Division of Financial Regulation. If it involved alleged improper Medicare billing, contact CMS. |
|---|
| Inappropriate boundaries by an optometrist |
Complaints about opticians unless they are practicing optometry
rather than fitting lenses or frames |
|---|
| Criminal Activity |
Complaints against ophthalmologists or other medical
doctors that are not optometrists |
|---|
| Fraud, misrepresentation or dishonesty |
|
|---|
| Permitting another to use their OD license |
|
|---|
Failing to keep complete and accurate patient
records or failing to release records within 14 days
of a written request |
|
|---|
Obstruction or harassment related to a Board
investigation |
|
|---|
Each complaint is unique and reviewed on its own merits with its specific set of circumstances and facts. This list is intended to give patients a general idea of the type of complaints that fall outside of the Board's jurisdiction. The Board may conduct an investigation if the specific circumstances fall within state law. For example, if the billing issue is fraud (e.g. repeatedly charging for a service that is not provided) then the Board may investigate.
In accordance with ORS 683.325, upon the complaint of any citizen, or upon its own motion, the Oregon Board of Optometry may investigate any violation of the Oregon optometry laws or administrative rules. In the conduct of investigations the Board may take evidence, take the depositions of witnesses, compel the appearance of witnesses, require answers to interrogatories, compel the production of documents, and issue subpoenas in the name of the State of Oregon. All complaint information is confidential during the course of the Board's investigation.
If you are a patient who saw on Oregon optometrist for services and believe there was an issue with the standard of care, of service or another breach of Oregon optometry law, please call our Executive Director at 971-701-1194 to discuss your complaint. Complaints are best documented through the Board's consumer complaint form. Once a complaint is filed, the Board investigates the allegations, reviews the patient file or other relevant documents and then makes a determination. The Board meets quarterly, so often complaints take more than 90 days to investigate and finalize.
If your complaint is about another health practitioner, please contact their licensing board. Ophthalmologists are licensed by the Oregon Medical Board. Visit the Oregon Business Xpress license directory for more information about Oregon licensure.
The Oregon Board of Optometry has an online complaint submission system. Please complete all of the requested information and complete the online process. Once your complaint is received you will receive a verification letter. The Oregon Board of Optometry meets quarterly, so there may be up to three months before your complaint is reviewed by the Board.