(a) On retiring from practice and on payment of an appropriate one-time fee, a licensee in good standing with the board may apply for the conversion of an active or inactive license to a retired status license. A person holding a retired status license may not practice optometry in the state. A retired status license is valid for the life of the license holder and does not require renewal. A person holding a retired status license is exempt from license renewal requirements of AS 08.72.181.
(b) A person with a retired status license may apply for active licensure. Before issuing an active license under this subsection, the board may require the applicant to meet reasonable criteria, as determined under regulations of the board.