N.J. Stat. § 45:12-27
The testimony and reports of an optometrist licensed to practice in this State shall be received by any State, county, municipal, school district or other public board, body, agency, institution or official and by any private educational or other institution receiving public funds as qualified evidence with respect to any matter within the scope of the practice of optometry as defined in Revised Statutes 45:12-1; and no such board, body, agency, official or institution shall, in retaining and utilizing the professional services of ocular practitioners or in any other manner, discriminate between licensed practitioners of optometry and other ocular practitioners or interfere with any individual's right to free choice of ocular practitioner.
N.J.S. § 45:12-27