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Apply for Optometrist License

Application Processing Time
Most license applications are processed within 4–6 weeks, though processing time may vary depending on individual circumstances.

You may receive your 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 to complete as many requirements as possible 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.
How to Apply
All applications for licensure as an optometric physician in Oregon must be submitted through the online application system. If you passed the TMOD exam in 2002 or later, you must apply for licensure by examination, not by endorsement.
Submitting Documents
Do not send any documents to the Board until you have completed the online license application.

​All new licenses are issued with certification to use, administer, and prescribe TOPICAL and NON-TOPICAL pharmaceutical agents (AT), see list on this page. AT is the minimum required certification for which all optometrists must be qualified in order to practice.

Additional criteria must be met in order to be certified to use,  administer and prescribe the NON-TOPICAL pharmaceutical formulary with the INJECTION endorsement (ATI).

Pursuant to ORS 683.060(2) and OAR ,852-010-0015​(d) the Board will require a passing score on Parts I, II, and III (PAM, and Clinical Skills), and TMOD (Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease) of the National Boards of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). NBEO standards for passing the NBEO examination will be acceptable to the Board.​​ For the 2025 application season, the Board will accept an overall passing score on the Part III exam. NBEO has confirmed they will send the Board three scores: scores for each of the two exams and an overall Part III score. If the overall score is passing, the Board will accept that score for this season. 

The applicant for examination and licensure must:


Submit documentation of continuing education hours as required in OAR 852 Division 70; see list of required courses on this page.

Pass, by a score of 80 or better, a Board-approved written examination relating to Oregon optometric law and administrative rules within 12 months before the date of Oregon licensure. Because the Administrative Rule and Law examination is not clinical in nature, there is no waiting period before an examination retake. If the examination is not available through the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, the Board will set location(s), date(s) time(s), and fees for administration of the examination.

Provide a copy of the official final transcript from an accredited college of optometry indicating receipt of the doctor of optometry degree. Transcripts must be mailed to the Board office--electronic copies are not accepted;

Provide a copy of the record establishing satisfactory completion of a course in pharmacology as it applies to optometry from an institution approved under ORS 683.040(2) when applicable;

Provide verification of the passage of the examination of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO);

Payment of the application fee as listed in OAR 852-010-0080;

Provide written confirmation sent directly from the licensing entity of each other state in which the candidate has ever been licensed that the candidate for licensure has not been sanctioned for violating the laws, rules, and standards of ethics of that jurisdiction. Electronic copies are acceptable if they are complete and include discipline history;

Provide documentation of current CPR certification, as required in OAR 852-80-0040. Please see the Board's website of approved CPR providers. You'll need to complete a hands-on course for initial licensure;

Provide proof of meeting the requirements of OAR 852 Division 80 – Pharmaceutical Agents, for licensure with the non-topical certification (AT) or non-topical certification with injections (ATI); and

Provide satisfactory results of a criminal records background check as defined in OAR 852-050-0025.

​If you completed the TMOD exam prior to 2002 and you're applying for licensure, you'll be required to complete a Board-approved AOT course. 

Pacific University College of Optometry offers an online 23-hour course.

Once the application fee is paid, it will not be refunded. 

You'll need to have information on any other past or present licensure, and you'll upload a copy of a color passport-size photo.


Online Portal​:​ Online Applicatio​n System​​​ (use link on Resources for OD's Page)

​If you completed the TMOD exam prior to 2002, and you're applying for licensure, you'll be required to complete a Board-approved ​AOT course. 

Pacific University College of Optometry offers an online 23-hour course

If you didn't take the NBEO Part III exam, you'll need to provide documentation of a 100 hour course.


​All new licenses are issued with certification to use, administer, and prescribe TOPICAL and NON-TOPICAL pharmaceutical agents (AT). 

This is the minimum required certification for which all optometrists must be qualified in order to practice. 

Additional criteria must be met in order to be certified to use administer and prescribe the NON-TOPICAL pharmaceutical formulary 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 O​​​​ptometry — 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 Birmingh​am — 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​​
​

​The Education and CE Requirements webpage​ provides detailed information about required coursework for licensure.

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: Thi​s 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 pu​rposes, including identification.