Application Processing Time
Most license applications are processed within 4–6 weeks, though processing time may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Applicants may receive their license more quickly if all application instructions are followed and required transcripts, license verifications, and test scores are submitted early.
Once all required information has been received and verified, licenses are often issued within two business days.
Important: All application fees are non-refundable.
Application Validity and Timing
License applications are valid for one year from the date submitted. New graduates are encouraged to apply before graduation so that most requirements can be completed in advance. Once NBEO scores are received, the application can be reviewed and approved more quickly.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all educational requirements before being approved for examination and licensure in Oregon.
Legal authority:
ORS 683.040 – Qualifications for Licensure
How to Apply
All applications for licensure as an optometric physician in Oregon must be submitted through the online application system. If the TMOD exam was passed in 2002 or later, applicants must apply for licensure by examination, not by endorsement.
Submitting Documents
Applicants should not send documents to the Board until the online license application has been completed.
Pharmaceutical Certification at Initial Licensure
All new optometry licenses are issued with certification to
use, administer, and prescribe topical and non-topical pharmaceutical agents (AT).
AT certification is the
minimum required level for all optometrists practicing in Oregon.
To prescribe
non-topical pharmaceutical agents with injections (ATI), applicants must meet
additional requirements described below.
National Board Examination Requirements
Under
ORS 683.060(2) and
OAR 852-010-0015(d), applicants must pass required examinations administered by the
National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO).
Required examinations include:
- Part I – Applied Basic Science (PAM)
- Part II – Clinical Science
-
Part III – Clinical Skills
-
TMOD – Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease
The Board accepts NBEO’s published passing standards.
2025 Application Season – Part III Scoring Update
For the
2025 application season, the Board will accept an
overall passing score on the NBEO
Part III examination.
NBEO will send the Board:
If the
overall Part III score is passing, the Board will accept that score for this application season.
Education and Examination Requirements
Applicants for examination and licensure must complete
all of the following requirements:
Submit documentation of
continuing education hours required by
OAR 852 Division 70 (see required courses listed on this page).
Pass a
Board-approved written examination on Oregon optometric law and administrative rules with a
score of 80 or higher.
The examination must be completed
within 12 months before the date of Oregon licensure.
The examination is
not clinical in nature.
There is
no waiting period before retaking the examination.
If the examination is not available through the
National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO), the Board will set the examination date(s), location(s), time(s), and fees.
Transcripts and Examination Verification
Applicants must provide the following:
Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Certification Requirements
Applicants must:
Provide documentation showing satisfactory completion of a
pharmacology course approved under
ORS 683.040(2), when applicable.
Provide proof that they meet the requirements of
OAR 852 Division 80 – Pharmaceutical Agents for:
Licensure History and Application Fees
Applicants must:
CPR Certification Requirement
Applicants must submit documentation of
current CPR certification as required by
OAR 852-080-0040.
Criminal Records Background Check
Applicants must submit satisfactory results of a
criminal records background check as required by
OAR 852-050-0025.
TMOD Requirement (Prior to 2002): If you completed the TMOD examination before 2002, you must complete a Board-approved AOT course before applying for licensure.
Application Fee Policy: Once the application fee is paid, it is non-refundable.
Required Application Information: Applicants must provide information about all past and current licenses held in any jurisdiction and upload a color, passport-size photograph.
TMOD Examination Completed Prior to 2002: If you completed the TMOD examination before 2002, you must complete a Board-approved AOT course before applying for licensure.
NBEO Part III Examination Requirement: If you did not complete the NBEO Part III examination, you must provide documentation showing completion of an approved 100-hour course.
All new Oregon optometry licenses include certification to use, administer, and prescribe topical and non-topical pharmaceutical agents (AT). This is the minimum certification required to practice optometry in Oregon.
Additional requirements must be met to obtain certification to use, administer, and prescribe non-topical pharmaceutical agents with the injection endorsement (ATI).
- Indiana University School of Optometry — Course V740
- Marshall B. Ketchum University — Courses 720, 722, and 890 (all three courses are required to meet the 7-hour requirement; updated 2025)
- Massachusetts University — Course OPT 853
- Midwestern University — Course OPTOG 1700
- New England College of Optometry — Course PC32006
- Northeastern State University — Course OPT 6231
- Pacific University — Course OPT 638L
- Salus University — Course OPT 7509 AA
- Southern College of Optometry — Courses OPT 221 and OPT 223
- University of California, Berkeley — Courses OPT 435 and OPT 200E
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Courses vary by graduation year (OPT 334, OPT 331, OPT/PT 323)
- University of Houston — Courses 6132, 6234, 7130, 7330, 7336
- University of Missouri — Course OPTOM 8570
-
Nova Southeastern University — 100-Hour Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents (TPA) Course
Applicants must review and complete required coursework in the following subject areas:
- Law, Rules, and Ethics — review legal and ethical requirements for optometry practice in Oregon
- Pain Management — complete required pain management education
- Cultural Competency — complete training on cultural competency and patient-centered care
- Clinical or Surgical Observation Centers — review requirements for clinical or surgical observation experience
- Education Provided by Outside Entities — review requirements for approved external education providers
- Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) Requirements — review Oregon Health Authority training requirements
Applicants for an initial or renewed Oregon optometry license, certification, or registration must provide a Social Security number (SSN) or Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN) as part of the application process.
- Mandatory Requirement: Providing an SSN or TIN is required by law.
- Legal Authority: This requirement is authorized under ORS 25.785, ORS 305.385, 42 U.S.C. § 405(c)(2)(C)(i), 42 U.S.C. § 666(a)(13), and 41 CFR 61.7.
- Failure to Provide Information: Failure to provide an SSN or TIN may result in denial or non-renewal of the license, certification, or registration.
- Use of Information: SSN or TIN information is used solely for child support enforcement and tax administration purposes, including identification.
- Confidentiality: The Board will not use your SSN or TIN for any other purpose unless authorized by you. Your information will remain on file with the Office.