Board members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate to serve for a six-year term. The full Board consists of nine members: six members are practicing optometrists and three are public members. The Board is required to meet at least two times a year, but customarily convenes on a quarterly basis. Board members actively serve on board committees, establish policy, adopt substantive and procedural rules, and assist with the examination of licensure and enforcement activities for the protection of the public.
Board Members
Ron Hopping, O.D., M.P.H. — Chair (2015-2027)
Dr. Hopping of Friendswood is a managing partner with Hopping Eye Associates, LLP, where he serves as a therapeutic optometrist and optometric glaucoma specialist. He is a member of the American Optometric Association, American Academy of Optometry, American Board of Optometry, and National Academies of Practice in Optometry. Additionally, he is a member of the Texas Optometric Association, and Harris County Optometric Society. Hopping received a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Kenyon College, a Master of Public Health from The University of Texas School of Public Health, and a Doctor of Optometry from Southern California College of Optometry.
Bill Thompson, O.D., — Vice-Chair (2018-2029)
Dr. Thompson of Richardson is a Therapeutic Optometrist, Optometric Glaucoma Specialist, Diplomate with the American Board of Optometry and owner of Buckner Vision. While serving as a Captain in the Army, he served as chief of optometry at the U.S. Army Hospital in Wurzburg, Germany, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. He is a past president of the Northeast Texas Optometric Society, former member of the Board of Trustees of the Texas Optometric Association and a current member of the American Optometric Association, National Association of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors, and the Collin County Association of Realtors. He is also a former chairman of the school board of the Garland Christian Academy. Thompson received a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.
Judith (Judy) Chambers — Secretary (2013-2031)
Mrs. Chambers of Austin has served on the Texas Optometry Board since 2013. She is the former executive director of Dress for Success Austin and worked in guidance and counseling for the Humble and Huffman Independent School Districts. She is chair of the Weekly Homeless Program for First United Methodist Church and volunteers with the fundraising programs for the International Philanthropic Organization and the Rolling Sculpture Car Show. Chambers received a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and a Master of Education Administration from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, and a Master in Guidance and Counseling from Sam Houston State University.
Tory Moore, O.D. (2025-2031)
Dr. Moore of Dumas is the CEO and owner of Dumas Vision Source. He is a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), Texas Optometric Association (TOA), Panhandle Optometric Association, and Vision Source. He is an Elder at Grace Thru Faith Fellowship Church in Dumas and former president of the Dumas Noon Lions Club and the Dumas Education Foundation. Moore received a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Texas Tech University and a Doctor of Optometry from the University of Houston (UH) College of Optometry.
Steven Nguyen, O.D. (2023-2029)
Dr. Nguyen of Irving is the president and owner of Southwest Dallas Eyecare. He is a member of the American Optometric Association, Texas Optometric Association, Novitas Solutions, Inc., Contractor Advisory Committee, and a board member of the Foundation for Education and Research in Vision. Formerly, he served as president of the Texas Optometric Association, chairman of the board for the Las Colinas Association, and a member of Texas Institute of Healthcare Quality and Efficiency Board of Directors, Texas Statewide Health Coordinating Council, and Small Business Advisory Council. Nguyen received a Bachelor of Science in Optometry and Doctor of Optometry from the University of Houston.
James Oevermann, O.D. (2025-2031)
Dr. Oevermann of Montgomery serves as CEO and doctor at Cypress Family Eyecare in Cypress. He is a member of Professional Eye Care Associates of America and a former member of the AOA and the TOA. He is a volunteer for Eyes on Me and with Risen Church. Oevermann received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University and a Doctor of Optometry from the UH College of Optometry.
Carey A. Patrick, O.D. (2015-2027)
Dr. Patrick of Allen is the President of Fairview Eyecare, P.A., where she serves as a Therapeutic Optometrist and Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, Texas Optometric Association, Northeast Texas Optometric Society, and Ocular Nutrition Society. In addition, she is a member of the Allen-Fairview Chamber of Commerce, Fairview Economic Development Council, Fairview Rotary Club, and Girl Scouts of America. She is the recipient of the 2015 Mollie Armstrong Award for outstanding service to the profession of optometry in Texas. Patrick received a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from The University of Texas at Austin, studied for her Master of Arts in International Business Communications at the University of Texas at Dallas and graduated a Doctor of Optometry from the University of Houston College of Optometry.
Rene Peña (2015-2027)
Mr. Pena of El Paso is an Audit Partner and Firm Managing Partner at Pena Briones McDaniel & Company. He is a member of the American Institute of Public Accountants and Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. He served as Chairman of the El Paso Employees Pension Plan and as President of the El Paso Chapter Texas Society Of CPA’s. He is a former member of the American Association of Forensic Examiners, Texas Board of Physical Therapy, Texas Board of Professional Geologists, El Paso Housing Authority and El Paso Employee Pension Board. Pena received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from The University of Texas at El Paso.
Mala Sharma (2023-2029)
Mrs. Sharma of Houston is an attorney, handling personal injury civil litigation at her family practice, Sharma & Associates, P.C. She is a board member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association, a member of the Houston Bar Association, and volunteer at the Veterans Legal Clinic. Additionally, she is former president of the Houston Northwest Bar Association, former vice president of the South Asian Bar Association, and former special advisor to the American Bar Association GPSolo. Sharma received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston and a Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.
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Committees
Board members are appointed by the Chair to serve on working committees.
Administrative Licensing Committee: Assists agency staff in regard to administrative issues and matters involving the Board examination, accreditation of colleges, applications for licensure and licensing requirements. Reviews applications for License Without Exam.
Continuing Education Committee: Reviews and approves all continuing education submitted for consideration of approval, including the comprehensive concentrated ocular therapeutic courses required for therapeutic optometry certification.
Investigation & Enforcement Committee: All optometric members participate in the enforcement process, including handling of complaints, review of inspections, informal conferences, and general matters involving enforcement of the Texas Optometry Act. Public members also participate in the complaint and enforcement process and assist with informal conferences.
Peer Assistance Committee: Oversees the Board’s Peer Assistance Program.
Rules Committee: Assists with the drafting of procedural and substantive rules for submission to the full Board for adoption.
Board History
History of the Texas Optometry Board. Link to the original Optometry Act.