Verified October 10, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What optometrists miss in Alaska
- The 3,120-hour affidavit must be signed by a licensed health care professional who knows the applicant's practice.
- Verification is required from every jurisdiction where a license was ever held, and the application is notarized.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a Alaska license?
License by credentials requires a current license from a jurisdiction with equivalent requirements, a past license that required NBEO, 3,120 practice hours at the highest therapeutic level in the last 36 months, a 7-hour injection course and the Alaska law exam. The exam route needs NBEO scores from the last four years.
- By endorsement
- Practice required: 3,120 hours of active clinical practice in the 36 months before applying
- Board: Alaska Board of Examiners in Optometry
Citation: AS 08.72.170; 12 AAC 48.020
Which NBEO exams does Alaska require?
The exam route needs Parts I, II and III, the ISE and TMOD, all passed within the four years before applying. Credentials applicants have NBEO verify passage.
- NBEO: I, II, III, TMOD
- ISE required
Does Alaska require a law exam?
The Alaska State Optometry Law Examination is open book, sent by the department and returned within 30 days; 90% passes.
- Board law exam
What scope does a Alaska license carry?
Credentials applicants also show a board-approved nontopical injection course of at least 7 hours taken after optometry school.
- Applicants from other states: Practice at the highest therapeutic level authorized in the applicant's jurisdiction
Citation: 12 AAC 48.020
Can optometrists perform laser procedures in Alaska?
With board authorization after an approved course, optometrists may perform expanded therapeutic procedures, which may include YAG capsulotomy, laser peripheral iridotomy and laser trabeculoplasty. Retinal laser, LASIK and PRK are excluded.
- Laser procedures authorized by statute or rule
- Separate credential required
Citation: AS 08.72.278; 12 AAC 48.040
Does Alaska require a controlled substance license?
DEA registrants need 2 hours of pain management and opioid education in the two years before applying or renewing, plus PDMP registration.
What does Alaska say about telehealth eye care?
Practicing optometry in Alaska through telehealth requires an Alaska license. A refractive prescription may not rest solely on a telehealth exam.
Citation: 12 AAC 48.370
How often does a Alaska license renew?
At least 24 hours in ocular pathology or pharmacology and no more than 3 in practice management.
- Renews every two years
- 40 CE hours
Licensing in Alaska?
We prepare every supporting document and a question-by-question guide, order your verifications and NBEO scores, and track the file to a decision; you answer, sign, pay the board and sit every exam. A license is $699 per state, or $799 where the state gives its own exam or interview.