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 Texas
- The applicant attests: "I am the person applying" and the information "has been personally provided and reviewed by me."
- Applicants show proof of residency status and a current CPR or BLS card.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a Texas license?
Everyone who passed all NBEO parts files the same Acceptance Application, with no years of practice. The $305 License without Examination is only for optometrists licensed elsewhere before 1994 who could not take Part III, and needs 5 of the last 7 years in therapeutic practice or teaching.
- On NBEO scores
- Board: Texas Optometry Board
Citation: Tex. Occ. Code 351.254, 351.2595 (license without examination); 22 Tex. Admin. Code 271.2, 271.5
Which NBEO exams does Texas require?
Part III passed on or after June 1994 and TMOD passed on or after January 1985. Applicants give their OE TRACKER number and allow board access on the NBEO site.
- NBEO: I, II, III, TMOD
Does Texas require a law exam?
Texas Jurisprudence Exam taken through NBEO's online system, open book.
- Law exam (OSLE)
What scope does a Texas license carry?
Since Jan. 1, 2025, applicants who graduated after 2008 must apply for glaucoma specialist certification together with the therapeutic license.
- Tiers: Therapeutic optometrist; Optometric Glaucoma Specialist
Citation: Board applicants page
Does Texas require a controlled substance license?
Applicants complete a 2-hour course on prescribing and monitoring controlled substances under Health and Safety Code 481.07635.
What does a Texas optometry license cost?
- Application: $205 Acceptance Application; $305 License without Examination (as of Oct 2026)
- Fingerprints required
- NPDB self-query required
Citation: Board applicants page; LWOE page
How often does a Texas license renew?
- Renews every two years
- 32 CE hours
Licensing in Texas?
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.