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 Iowa
- An optometrist without recent practice hours can still qualify with 50 CE hours from the past two years.
- License verifications must show issue and expiration dates and any discipline.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a Iowa license?
Applicants send NBEO results and verification from every state ever licensed, plus one proof of current competence: a CELMO certificate, 2,080 practice hours in the past two years, a year of optometry faculty work, 50 CE hours, or passing NBEO in the past two years.
- On NBEO scores
- Board: Iowa Board of Optometry (Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing)
Citation: DIAL optometry page; Iowa Admin. Code 481 ch. 760-764
Which NBEO exams does Iowa require?
Results for all NBEO exams current at the time of initial licensure, sent directly by NBEO.
Does Iowa recognize the CELMO certificate?
A current CELMO certificate is one of five accepted proofs of current competence.
- CELMO recognized
What does a Iowa optometry license cost?
- Application: $300 (as of Oct 2026)
Citation: DIAL optometry page
How often does a Iowa license renew?
CE must be finished before renewing; renewal opens 60 days before expiration.
Licensing in Iowa?
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.