Optometrist Licensing Information

Continuing education FAQs | Renewal information

Apply for a License

Apply online

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

Online application instructions are on our website.

Once you have completed the process, you will find your pending credential number on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Apply on paper

The following forms are required for completing the application process. Please download and print forms.

Fee Schedule

See fee information below
Non-Refundable Fee Type Fee Amount
Initial application fee (non-refundable) $146*
Annual license renewal fee $166*
Late renewal penalty – active license $75
Expired license reactivation $75
Inactive license renewal $91*
Late renewal penalty – inactive license $50
Retired active license renewal $110*
Late renewal penalty – retired active license $50
Duplicate license $15
Certification to other state/institutions $25

 

*Includes the fee to access the University of Washington (UW) HEAL-WA website.

Licensing Requirements

See licensing requirements below

Education

Applicants must graduate from a school of optometry accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association and approved by the Washington State Board of Optometry. An official transcript with degree and date posted must be received directly from applicant's program. Transcripts not in English must have an official translation. Applicants must provide an official form from the school verifying required training for diagnostic, therapeutic and oral prescription of drugs, and training in the injection of epinephrine for anaphylactic shock.

Examination

Applicants must pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) Parts I, II, III and the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease (TMOD). Applicants must also have endorsements for diagnostic and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (DPA/TPA), oral medications and epinephrine by injection. The NBEO sends official scores directly to the department. Verifications are sent by the program.

State license verification

Applicants must list all states where they do or did hold credentials. This list must also include when the applicant has applied for a credential, even if a credential was not granted. The jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed must complete and submit the verification form. The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.

Personal data questions

Applicants must answer the personal data questions. If there is a positive answer to the professional liability claims history question, the applicant must send an explanation of the nature of the case, data and summary of care given, copies of the original complaint, and the settlement or final disposition. If a case is pending, applicant must indicate status.

Additional information/documents required

  • Successful completion of the Washington State Jurisprudence Examination

Process for approving/denying applications

We finish final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete, and complies with requirements in chapter 18.53 RCW, chapter 18.54 RCW and chapter 246-851 WAC. We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted required fees. Credentialing supervisors and lead workers have the authority to approve routine applications. The disciplining authority may conduct further review if the credentialing supervisor can't verify the applicant meets all requirements. We'll formally notify applicants of a denial. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision.

Renewal requirements

Optometrists must renew their license every year. Credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday and may be renewed within 90 days of the expiration date.

Continuing education requirements

Optometrists must complete a minimum of 50 hours of continuing education every two years in order to renew their license. See WAC 246-851-090 through WAC 246-851-235 for continuing education requirements.