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 Mississippi
- Missing a January or July jurisprudence sitting delays licensure about six months.
- Two reference letters must come from Mississippi optometrists or non-family members known at least five years.
- The practice must be owned by a Mississippi-licensed optometrist and stay free of lay or corporate control.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a Mississippi license?
Reciprocity is open to optometrists examined by another state that grants Mississippi licensees the same privilege and whose standards are equal, if they never failed the Mississippi exam. Reciprocity applicants still pass the board's jurisprudence exam, given only in January and July.
- By endorsement
- Board: Mississippi State Board of Optometry
Citation: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-19-25
Which NBEO exams does Mississippi require?
Verification of passage of all parts of NBEO, sent directly by NBEO.
Does Mississippi require a law exam?
A written jurisprudence exam held the second Saturday of January and of July; 70 passes, with 60 minutes allowed.
- Board law exam
What scope does a Mississippi license carry?
PEP certification ($750) is optional and covers procedures including YAG laser posterior capsulotomy; it needs a board course, a written exam, a skills assessment and 8 preceptor hours.
- Tiers: Optometrist, PEP (Primary Eyecare Procedures) certification
Citation: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-19-1; MSBO Examination Handbook
Can optometrists perform laser procedures in Mississippi?
Optometrists certified by the board may perform YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.
- Laser procedures authorized by statute or rule
- Separate credential required
Citation: Miss. Code Ann. § 73-19-1(5)
What does a Mississippi optometry license cost?
- Application: $300 exam fee for nonresidents ($200 residents), plus a $400 initial license fee for January or $200 for July, plus $32 for fingerprints (as of Oct 2026)
- Fingerprints required
Citation: MSBO applicant checklist and Examination Handbook
How often does a Mississippi license renew?
- Renews every year
- Due On or before Jan. 1 each year
Licensing in Mississippi?
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.