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 Ohio
- Fingerprints go through a BCI and FBI WebCheck vendor, citing ORC 4725.121 as the reason.
- Applicants need a current CPR card and verification from every state that ever issued them a license.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a Ohio license?
Board rule requires 3 years of active practice before an endorsement application and lets the board require part of the licensing exam. Separately, ORC 4725.18 licenses out-of-state optometrists under Chapter 4796, which defaults to one year licensed and practice in 1 of the last 5 years.
- By endorsement
- Practice required: 3 years immediately before applying, including therapeutics
- Board: Ohio State Vision Professionals Board
Citation: Ohio Adm. Code 4725-3-08; Ohio Rev. Code 4725.18, 4796.03
Which NBEO exams does Ohio require?
Ohio licenses graduates who passed NBEO Parts I, II and III.
- NBEO: I, II, III
Does Ohio require a law exam?
The board posts a Laws and Rules Exam; applicants complete it and email the answers to the board.
- Board law exam
What scope does a Ohio license carry?
- Applicants from other states: Practice that includes therapeutics
What does Ohio say about telehealth eye care?
Board rules define telehealth services as care by a health care professional licensed in Ohio, so remote care for Ohio patients needs an Ohio license.
Citation: Ohio Adm. Code 4725-25-01
What does a Ohio optometry license cost?
- Application: $350 (as of Oct 2026)
- Renewal: $350 every 2 years (as of Oct 2026)
- Fingerprints required
- NPDB self-query required
Citation: Ohio Rev. Code 4725.34; board optometrist page
How often does a Ohio license renew?
50 hours per 2-year period, 20 in pharmacology; CE runs Jan. 1 of odd years through Dec. 31 of even years. No CE is due for the first renewal, and hours do not carry over. Late CE and late renewal cost $125 each.
- Renews every two years
- 50 CE hours
Licensing in Ohio?
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.