This page explains how to renew or reinstate an Oregon optometry license. Reinstatement is the process of returning an optometry license to active status after it has become expired, surrendered, canceled, retired, or suspended.
Eligibility for Reinstatement
- The license is retired, expired, surrendered, canceled, or suspended.
- All required continuing education hours have been completed.
- Current CPR certification is maintained.
- No outstanding fines or fees are owed--back fees must be paid prior to reinstatement.
Required Documentation
- Completed reinstatement application.
- Current CPR certification.
- Proof of required continuing education.
- Any additional documents requested by the Board.
How to Apply
- Gather required documentation.
- Complete the reinstatement application.
- Pay any fees due
- Upload supporting documents.
- Submit the application for Board review.
Definitions
-
Inactive License: A license not currently valid for practice but not expired.
-
Expired License: A license not renewed by its expiration date.
-
Suspended License: A license temporarily revoked due to disciplinary action.
Contact for Assistance
Contact information is provided in the site navigation for questions or assistance with reinstatement.
Online Services and Licensing Portal
Use the licensing portal and related online services below to renew, reinstate, or manage your optometry license.
Continuing Education Requirements and Reporting
Licensed optometrists must complete and report continuing education (CE) to maintain an active license. The sections below explain annual CE requirements, how to report hours, audit expectations, and special topic education requirements.
Annual Continuing Education Requirements
- Each annual license renewal requires
18 hours of continuing education.
- CE hours completed in excess of the 18-hour requirement may be carried over to the next renewal period, provided the hours are not more than two (2) years old at the time of renewal.
TMOD and Observation Continuing Education
- Each licensee must complete at least
9 hours of TMOD credit.
- No more than
5 hours of observation credit may be applied per renewal period.
- Excess TMOD or observation hours may be carried over to the next license year if date-eligible.
Reporting CE Through the Licensee Self-Service Portal
- CE hours are entered through the
Licensee Self-Service Portal.
- CE may be entered at any time and does not need to wait until license renewal.
- If your license record includes an
ARBO OE Tracker number, OE Tracker courses are automatically uploaded to your license record.
Documentation and Audit Requirements
- Licensees are not required to upload CE documentation at the time of renewal.
- If selected for the monthly
CE/CPR audit, licensees must submit documentation for all reported CE and a copy of the current CPR card.
- Audit notices are sent by letter and email.
- Licensees have
21 days to respond to an audit request.
- Failure to respond within the required timeframe may result in disciplinary action and civil penalties.
Pain Management Education Requirement
- For the first renewal on or after January 1, 2020, licensees must report a
one-time pain management course offered by the Oregon Pain Management Commission.
- The course
Course Name: *Transforming Pain Management: A Journey to Better Care (OBO Course #400) is free and accepted by the Board.
- As of January 1, 2022, licensees must complete at least
1 hour of pain management education every other renewal.
- The Board accepts Oregon Pain Management Commission courses and other Board-approved courses.
- COPE-approved pain management courses, excluding EJ or PM categories, are accepted if completed on or after January 10, 2022.
Law and Ethics Continuing Education
Every two years, licensees must complete
1 hour of law and ethics education.
Acceptable methods include:
A current list of approved law and ethics courses and NBEO links is available on the Board’s website.
Cultural Competency Education
- As of July 1, 2021, licensees must complete
1 hour of cultural competency education every other renewal and at the first renewal after licensure.
- Accepted courses include:
The Oregon Board of Optometry’s Licensee Self-Service Portal is the primary system used by licensees to manage licensing information and submit requests.
What You Can Do in the Portal
Licensees use the
Licensee Self-Service Portal to complete the following tasks:
- Renew an optometry license
- Update mailing address information
- Update practice location information
- Request official documents, including:
- License verifications
- License copies
- Licensee lists
Required Updates and Reporting
Licensees are required to report changes to the following information through the portal:
- Mailing address
- Practice location
- Phone number
- Email address
Timely updates help ensure accurate Board records and continued compliance with licensing requirements.
When to Use the Portal
The Licensee Self-Service Portal should be used whenever a licensee needs to update personal or practice information, renew a license, or request official documentation from the Board.
These instructions explain how to request reinstatement of a lapsed Oregon optometry license, including eligibility requirements and
required submission procedures.
Who Is Eligible for Reinstatement
You may be eligible to reinstate your Oregon optometry license if:
- You were previously licensed as a Doctor of Optometry in Oregon, and
- You were in good standing at the time you voluntarily surrendered your license, or
- Your license was suspended due to nonpayment of the license renewal fee or late fees.
How to Submit a Reinstatement Request
Requests to reinstate a lapsed license must be submitted by
email to Board staff. All status change requests (retired or lapsed) must use the Board’s approved e-signature process.
E-Signature Requirements
An acceptable e-signature must include all of the following elements:
- Full legal name
- Oregon optometry license number
- The last four (4) digits of the licensee’s Social Security number
Additional Education Requirements
If your license is not in AT or ATI status, you must complete at least a
Board-approved 23-hour AOT course prior to reinstatement.
Pacific University offers an approved online AOT course that meets this requirement.
Contact for Submission and Questions
To request reinstatement or ask questions about eligibility and requirements,
email Oregon Board of Optometry staff using the contact information provided on the website.