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 Maine
- Maine's renewal fee of $600 a year is high, so budget it for each year of a multi-state license.
- Late renewal within 90 days costs an extra $300, and practicing after expiration is not covered by that window.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a Maine license?
The law requires licensure by endorsement for applicants licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements who are in good standing everywhere and pass a jurisprudence exam. The board's pages describe one exam route: NBEO Parts I to III and TMOD plus a 30-minute board exam by appointment.
- By endorsement
- Board: Maine State Board of Optometry
Citation: 32 M.R.S. § 19303
Which NBEO exams does Maine require?
All three NBEO parts and every section of TMOD, sent by NBEO.
- NBEO: I, II, III, TMOD
Does Maine require a law exam?
Endorsement applicants pass a jurisprudence exam; the board exam for other applicants covers optometric practice and Maine law.
- Board law exam
Does Maine give its own exam or interview?
The board exam takes 30 minutes; the notarized application and $300 fee are due at least 30 days before the exam date.
- By appointment once the application is complete
What scope does a Maine license carry?
New licensees receive only the therapeutic advanced glaucoma license, which covers ocular therapeutics including glaucoma and Schedule III to V drugs. Graduates before October 1996 need added glaucoma and pharmacology coursework.
- Tiers: Therapeutic advanced glaucoma
Citation: 32 M.R.S. § 19304; board examinations page
Can optometrists perform laser procedures in Maine?
Maine defines optometric treatment as care "without the use of invasive surgery or tissue-altering lasers."
- Laser procedures not authorized
Citation: 32 M.R.S. § 19101
Does Maine require a controlled substance license?
Prescribing is limited to Schedules III, IV and V.
What does Maine say about telehealth eye care?
Maine licensees may provide telehealth within their scope. Kiosks, including phone and online refraction tools, must meet Maine's minimum eye exam standards, with fines up to $10,000 per violation.
Citation: 32 M.R.S. §§ 19311, 19602
What does a Maine optometry license cost?
- Application: $300 application and exam fee (as of Oct 2026)
- Renewal: $600 a year (as of Oct 2026)
Citation: Board fees page
How often does a Maine license renew?
At least 15 hours on diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease for advanced therapeutic licensees; at most 2 in practice management; up to 5 hours carry over.
- Renews every year
- Due Before April 1 each year
- 25 CE hours
Licensing in Maine?
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.