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 Virginia
- A license lapsed more than a year needs reinstatement, with a $400 fee.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a Virginia license?
Endorsement needs a current, active license in good standing in a U.S. jurisdiction or Canada, the application and fee, TPA qualifications and a current NPDB report. The regulation sets no years-of-practice minimum.
- By endorsement
- Board: Virginia Board of Optometry
Citation: 18VAC105-20-11
Which NBEO exams does Virginia require?
Initial licensure requires Parts I, II and III, including TMOD.
- NBEO: I, II, III, TMOD
Does Virginia require a law exam?
No law exam: initial applicants sign a statement that they have read and will follow Virginia's optometry statutes and regulations.
- No law exam
What scope does a Virginia license carry?
- Tiers: TPA certification (required); laser surgery certification
- Applicants from other states: TPA certification requirements of 18VAC105-20-16
Citation: 18VAC105-20-10, 18VAC105-20-11
Can optometrists perform laser procedures in Virginia?
Laser certification needs a dean or course attestation covering 12 topics plus the LSPE laser section or proctored sessions. From Jan. 1, 2033, every applicant must meet it.
- Laser procedures authorized by statute or rule
- Separate credential required
Citation: 18VAC105-20-10(B), 18VAC105-20-80
What does a Virginia optometry license cost?
- Application: $250 with TPA, or $350 with TPA and laser certification (as of Oct 2026)
- Renewal: $200 a year with TPA, $250 with laser certification (as of Oct 2026)
- NPDB self-query required
Citation: 18VAC105-20-20
How often does a Virginia license renew?
20 hours a year: at least 10 real-time interactive and, for TPA holders, 10 in pharmacology, diagnosis and treatment or pain management. Up to 10 extra hours carry forward.
- Renews every year
- Due March 31
- 20 CE hours
Licensing in Virginia?
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.