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 Rhode Island
- R.I. Gen. Laws 5-35.1-2 requires qualifications to be shown by affidavits "properly sworn to", so the optometrist signs them personally.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a Rhode Island license?
A license may be issued without exam to an optometrist licensed by exam in another state, if that state grants Rhode Island licensees a like privilege and the applicant has not failed Rhode Island's exam. Every state where the applicant was licensed sends a status statement. No years-of-practice minimum.
- By endorsement
- Board: Rhode Island Board of Optometry (Department of Health)
Citation: R.I. Gen. Laws 5-35.1-5; 216-RICR-40-05-20
Which NBEO exams does Rhode Island require?
All NBEO sections and TMOD are required to use pharmaceutical agents.
- NBEO: I, II, III, TMOD
What scope does a Rhode Island license carry?
Amplified privileges for glaucoma require consultation with an experienced glaucoma prescriber on at least 20 glaucoma patients.
- Tiers: Optometrist; amplified therapeutic privileges (anterior uveitis and glaucoma)
Citation: 216-RICR-40-05-20
Does Rhode Island require a controlled substance license?
Prescribing controlled substances needs a Rhode Island registration plus DEA. Schedule III to V and hydrocodone are limited to a 72-hour supply; no injections.
- State license required on top of DEA
How often does a Rhode Island license renew?
Amplified-privilege optometrists attest each Jan. 31 to 20 hours in the prior calendar year, 10 in pharmacology for ocular conditions.
- Renews every year
- Due Jan. 31
- 20 CE hours
Licensing in Rhode Island?
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.