Licensing Requirements

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.