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Apply for Optometrist License



*Average application processing time is approximately 4-6 weeks but may be longer depending on the circumstances. * Licenses can be issued faster if you follow all of the guidelines and any transcripts, license verifications and test scores are sent early.  NOTE: All fees are non-refundable. Once all information is submitted, licenses can generally be issued within 2 days.

Each applicant must meet educational qualifications and must comply with the requirements of ORS 683.040 before the applicant will be accepted for examination and licensure. 

Applications for licensure as an optometric physician in Oregon must be completed through the online application system.

NOTE: Please don't send any documents to the Board until you've completed the online license application process. 

​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), 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.​​

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).


The following colleges provide the approved injection course.​

Indiana University School of Optometry -- V740  

Marshall B Ketchum -- CS 754 & CLE 890 (both have to be taken)

Massachusetts​ University--OPT 853

Midwestern University -- OPTOG 1700

Northeastern State University--OPT 6231

Pacific University--OPT 638L

Salus University -- OPT 7509 AA

Southern College of Optometry--OPT 221, 223

UC Berkeley -- OPT435

University of Alabama at Birmingham--OPT 334 (2003 grads), OPT 331 (2006), OPT 334 (2011-13), OPT/PT 323 (2014 and later)

University of Houston--6132 (undergrad), 6234, 7130, 7330, 7336

University of Missouri--OPTOM 8570

​​​​**Nova SE University  -- 100-Hour TPA Course​

The Education and OCE Requirements webpage​ outlines the required courses.

Please read through the required courses related to:

  • Law, Rules and Ethics
  • Pain Management
  • Cultural competency
  • Clinical or surgical observation centers
  • Education provided by outside entities​
  • Oregon Health Authority | Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Requirements

​As part of your application for an initial or renewed occupational or professional license, certification, or registration issued by the Oregon Board of Optometry, you are required to provide your Social Security number (SSN) or Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN) to the Office. 

This is Mandatory. The authority for this requirement is ORS 25.785, ORS 305.385, 42 USC §405(c)(2)(C)(i), 42 USC § 666(a)(13), and 41 CFR 61.7. 

Failure to provide your SSN or TIN will be a basis for refusing to issue or renew the license, certification, or registration you seek. 

This record of your SSN or TIN is used for child support enforcement and tax administration purposes (including identification). 

The Board will use your SSN for these purposes only, unless you authorize other uses of the number. Your SSN or TIN will remain on file with the Office.