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 Louisiana
- The licensing exam includes an ungraded question-and-answer interview with board members.
- A letter from another state board listing CE hours is not accepted for renewal.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a Louisiana license?
The board may waive its licensing exam for an applicant holding a certificate from another state whose standards equal Louisiana's. Everyone else takes the board's in-person licensing exam, held once a year in July, which includes a law exam, an advanced procedures exam and a clinical practical with lasers.
- By endorsement
- Board: Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners
Citation: La. R.S. 37:1054
Which NBEO exams does Louisiana require?
Applicants furnish the NBEO score report for the parts the board requires.
Does Louisiana require a law exam?
For exam candidates, the jurisprudence and law section is 20% of the licensing exam score.
Does Louisiana give its own exam or interview?
Exam candidates pay $500 and file 30 days ahead. The exam has written law and advanced procedures sections and a practical with YAG capsulotomy, YAG iridotomy, SLT, injection and lid stations; 70% overall usually passes.
- Given once a year in July in Shreveport; 2026: July 17-18
What scope does a Louisiana license carry?
Louisiana licensure includes therapeutic certification and credentialing for the ophthalmic surgery procedures optometrists may perform.
- Applicants from other states: Qualification to treat eye disease and to meet the board's credentialing for authorized ophthalmic surgery procedures
Citation: Board applying page (quoting state law)
Can optometrists perform laser procedures in Louisiana?
Optometry includes YAG laser capsulotomy, laser peripheral iridotomy and laser trabeculoplasty. Retinal laser and refractive surgery are excluded.
- Laser procedures authorized by statute or rule
- Separate credential required
Citation: La. R.S. 37:1041
What does a Louisiana optometry license cost?
- Application: $500 licensing exam (as of Oct 2026)
- Renewal: $300 a year for DPA or TPA (as of Oct 2026)
Citation: Board exam and renewal pages
How often does a Louisiana license renew?
Hours come from the prior calendar year: 8 in-person hours in pharmacology and ocular disease, at most 6 online, all reported to OE TRACKER.
- Renews every year
- Due March 1 each year
- 16 CE hours
Licensing in Louisiana?
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.