Each person, before beginning the practice of optometry in this state, except as hereinafter provided, shall present to the Department of Public Health satisfactory evidence that such person has been graduated from a school of optometry approved by the board of examiners with the consent of the Commissioner of Public Health. The board shall consult, where possible, with nationally recognized accrediting agencies when approving schools of optometry. All applicants shall be required to successfully complete an examination prescribed by the Department of Public Health with the consent of the board of examiners, in theoretic, practical and physiological optics, theoretic and practical optometry, ocular pharmacology, treatment and management of ocular disease, and the anatomy and physiology of the eye; and said department shall determine the qualifications of the applicant and, if they are found satisfactory, shall give a license to that effect. Passing scores shall be established by the department with the consent of the board. The department may, upon receipt of five hundred sixty-five dollars, issue a license to any person who is a currently practicing competent practitioner who holds (1) a license issued to such person after examination by a board of registration in optometry in any other state or territory of the United States in which the requirements for registration are deemed by the department to be equivalent to, or higher than, those prescribed in this chapter, or (2) a Council on Endorsed Licensure Mobility for Optometrists certificate issued by the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry, or its successor organization. No license shall be issued under this section to any applicant against whom professional disciplinary action is pending or who is the subject of an unresolved complaint.