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 Nebraska
- Every license ever held must be verified directly to the Licensure Unit, and undisclosed discipline from any date can itself lead to discipline.
- An incomplete application closes after 90 days and its documents are destroyed.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a Nebraska license?
Nebraska calls it reciprocity. Applicants licensed elsewhere must show active practice for 2 of the 3 years before applying, through W-2s or an employer or partner letter, and a credential at least as stringent as the Nebraska one. A jurisprudence exam and fingerprints are required.
- By endorsement
- Practice required: 2 of the 3 years before applying
- Board: Nebraska Board of Optometry (DHHS Licensure Unit)
Citation: Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-2609; DHHS application packet
Which NBEO exams does Nebraska require?
The application asks applicants to confirm Parts I, II, III and TMOD.
- NBEO: I, II, III, TMOD
Does Nebraska require a law exam?
Online jurisprudence exam on Nebraska's optometry statutes and regulations; 60 percent passes.
- Board law exam
What scope does a Nebraska license carry?
Diagnostic and therapeutic certifications are issued with the license for $10 each.
- Tiers: Diagnostic and therapeutic certification
- Applicants from other states: Credential at a level at least as stringent as the Nebraska credential sought
Citation: Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-2609; DHHS fee list
Can optometrists perform laser procedures in Nebraska?
The practice act states that optometry does not include surgery or laser surgery.
- Laser procedures not authorized
Citation: Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-2605(2)
Does Nebraska require a controlled substance license?
Anyone prescribing controlled substances in Nebraska needs a DEA registration; the application asks for it.
What does Nebraska say about telehealth eye care?
Nebraska's Consumer Protection in Eye Care Act covers kiosks, including phone and internet apps used remotely: the device must be FDA cleared, and the reading provider's name and Nebraska license number must appear on the prescription.
Citation: Neb. Rev. Stat. 69-309, 69-311
What does a Nebraska optometry license cost?
- Application: $166 initial license, including $10 each for diagnostic and therapeutic certification, prorated to $56.50 from February to July of even years; $75 fingerprint fee to the State Patrol (as of Oct 2026)
- Renewal: $146 every 2 years (as of Oct 2026)
- Fingerprints required
Citation: DHHS optometry page; application packet
How often does a Nebraska license renew?
44 hours in the 24 months before renewal; home study is capped at 8 hours, practice management at 4 and CPR recertification at 2.
- Renews every two years
- Due Aug. 1 of even years
- 44 CE hours
Licensing in Nebraska?
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.