It is the public policy of the state that:
- Optometrists rendering visual care to citizens shall practice in an ethical, professional manner;
- Optometrists’ practices shall be free from any influences that would interfere with their exercise of professional judgment;
- The visual welfare of the optometrist’s patient shall be the prime consideration at all times; and
- Optometrists shall not be associated with any person or persons in any manner that might degrade or reduce the quality of visual care received by the citizens of this state.