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 Arkansas
- Board rules say timely renewal "shall not be transferred to any employee, firm, agent, or other third party," so the licensee renews personally.
- The endorsement application is attested under penalty of perjury, and fingerprint cards arrive after the fee is paid.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a Arkansas license?
Endorsement is at the board's discretion for optometrists licensed where standards at least equal Arkansas who practiced three of the past four years there. Applicants interview in person at a board meeting and take the Arkansas jurisprudence exam the same day.
- By endorsement
- Practice required: 3 of the last 4 years
- Board: Arkansas State Board of Optometry
Citation: Arkansas State Board of Optometry Rules, ch. I, art. IV
Which NBEO exams does Arkansas require?
All NBEO parts that were required at graduation for initial licensure, sent directly by NBEO.
Does Arkansas require a law exam?
The Arkansas jurisprudence exam is taken the same day as the board interview.
- Board law exam
Does Arkansas give its own exam or interview?
Endorsement applicants appear in person on a board date. The endorsement checklist does not say whether they also sit the board's therapy and pharmacology test required for optometric physician certification.
- Board interview
- Board dates for examination and endorsement: Nov. 19, 2026; June 10, 2027; Nov. 18, 2027
What scope does a Arkansas license carry?
Optometric physician certification requires a 100-hour internship under a board-certified ophthalmologist, recorded in the board's logbook. After the exam the applicant files the optometric physician application ($50).
- Tiers: Optometrist, optometric physician, advanced procedures
- Applicants from other states: A therapeutic license
Citation: Arkansas State Board of Optometry Rules, ch. V
Can optometrists perform laser procedures in Arkansas?
The practice act includes laser capsulotomy and laser trabeculoplasty. Optometrists certified for laser procedures report outcomes to the board, which charges a separate advanced procedures license fee.
- Laser procedures authorized by statute or rule
- Separate credential required
Citation: Ark. Code Ann. §§ 17-90-101(a)(3)(D), 17-90-206
Does Arkansas require a controlled substance license?
Schedules I and II are excluded except hydrocodone combination products, limited to a 72-hour supply with no refills.
What does a Arkansas optometry license cost?
- Application: $438 by endorsement, including the background check (as of Oct 2026)
- Renewal: $150 a year (as of Oct 2026)
- Fingerprints required
Citation: Board licensing fees 2026/2027
How often does a Arkansas license renew?
Optometric physicians need 20 hours a year, at least 12 live; other optometrists need 12. Out-of-state CE must be COPE approved.
- Renews every year
- Due Feb. 1 each year
- 20 CE hours
Licensing in Arkansas?
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.