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 South Carolina
- The application packet includes a notarized Verification of Lawful Presence form and a signed copy of the Social Security card.
- An application stays open for one year; after that, fees and documents start over.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a South Carolina license?
Endorsement is for optometrists currently practicing at the therapeutic level elsewhere and authorized to treat glaucoma, with NBEO scores from first licensure or TMOD, good standing everywhere and the South Carolina jurisprudence exam.
- By endorsement
- Practice required: Therapeutic practice in the preceding 12 months, or 24 of the last 36
- Board: South Carolina Board of Examiners in Optometry
Citation: S.C. Code 40-37-245; S.C. Code Regs. 95-5
Which NBEO exams does South Carolina require?
The NBEO exam offered at the time of first licensure, or a TMOD pass.
- NBEO: I, II, III
Does South Carolina require a law exam?
Online South Carolina Optometric Jurisprudence Exam, opened after the application is approved; 70 passes.
- Board law exam
Does South Carolina give its own exam or interview?
A board appearance may be needed if personal history answers raise questions.
What scope does a South Carolina license carry?
Oral agents are limited to antihistamines, antimicrobials, antiglaucoma drugs, over-the-counter drugs and analgesics for ocular conditions.
- Applicants from other states: Therapeutic level with authority to treat glaucoma
Citation: S.C. Code 40-37-245, 40-37-310
Can optometrists perform laser procedures in South Carolina?
South Carolina law prohibits optometrists from performing surgery, including laser surgery.
- Laser procedures not authorized
Citation: S.C. Code 40-37-310(D)
Does South Carolina require a controlled substance license?
Licensees who prescribe controlled substances need DEA registration; the board points to the SC DPH Bureau of Drug Control.
What does South Carolina say about telehealth eye care?
A glasses or contact lens prescription may not rest solely on refractive error or come from a kiosk, which includes phone and internet tools used remotely. Violations are misconduct.
Citation: S.C. Code 40-24-20
What does a South Carolina optometry license cost?
- Application: $525 endorsement application and exam fee (as of Oct 2026)
- Renewal: $230 every 2 years (as of Oct 2026)
Citation: Board fee page
How often does a South Carolina license renew?
40 CE hours each 2-year renewal under S.C. Code 40-37-240(D).
- Renews every two years
- 40 CE hours
Licensing in South Carolina?
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.