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 Connecticut
- Applications are accepted only online through eLicense, with a photograph attached.
- Some states charge for license verifications, so check before ordering them.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a Connecticut license?
The Department lists one set of requirements: NBEO scores, an official transcript and verification from every state where a license was ever held. The statute also lets it license a currently practicing optometrist from an equivalent state, or a CELMO certificate holder.
- On NBEO scores
- Board: Connecticut Department of Public Health, Optometry Licensure
Citation: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-130
Which NBEO exams does Connecticut require?
Part I, Part II, all three components of Part III and TMOD, verified directly by NBEO.
- NBEO: I, II, III, TMOD
What scope does a Connecticut license carry?
Advanced optometric care includes Schedule II to V controlled substances and nonsurgical glaucoma treatment, and excludes therapeutic lasers, surgical glaucoma treatment and most injections.
Citation: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-127
Can optometrists perform laser procedures in Connecticut?
Connecticut's definition of advanced optometric care excludes the use of therapeutic lasers.
- Laser procedures not authorized
Citation: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-127(a)(1)
Does Connecticut recognize the CELMO certificate?
The statute allows a license for a holder of an ARBO CELMO certificate on payment of the fee.
- CELMO recognized
What does a Connecticut optometry license cost?
- Application: $565 (as of Oct 2026)
Citation: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-130; DPH licensing page
How often does a Connecticut license renew?
At least 6 hours in pathology, diabetes detection or ocular treatment and 6 in therapeutic agents; at least 10 live hours, at most 5 asynchronous and at most 6 in practice management.
- Renews every year
- 20 CE hours
Licensing in Connecticut?
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.