2 answers
Aleksandra
Student
Watertown, Connecticut
10
Questions
Asked
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How did you decide which states you would get an optometry license for?
I plan on living in New England after I graduate from optometry school in 2027, but am unsure exactly where I will end up. Did you receive an optometry license in one or multiple states, and why?
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2 answers
Rita Bhakta
Optometrist
16
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Rita’s Answer
As a new graduate with recent Boards scores, you likely will meet the licensing requirements of any state that you are interested in practicing in. Keep in mind what places you would like to live as well as what practice opportunities you have found in them. As time goes on, and you have a better idea of where you will be settling, you can let a license become inactive.
To keep an optometry license active, you are required to pay a renewal fee and meet the continuing education requirements, which can vary state to state (ex. Arizona requires 32 hours of continuing education every 2 years, California requires 50 hours every 2 years).
When I graduated, I obtained the license of the state my family lived in, believing that it where I would be practicing. I found a practice opportunity in Arizona the year after I graduated. I obtained an Arizona license then and maintained the other state license for approximately eight years until I realized I would never use it again, and then let it lapse.
Whereever life leads you, I think you will be able to apply for a state's optometry license with minimal difficulty even years out of school. There may be just a few exceptions to this, such as states with specific Boards score requirements or training requirements for procedures.
Use state optometry board websites to look up requirements and fees for licensure and renewal.
To keep an optometry license active, you are required to pay a renewal fee and meet the continuing education requirements, which can vary state to state (ex. Arizona requires 32 hours of continuing education every 2 years, California requires 50 hours every 2 years).
When I graduated, I obtained the license of the state my family lived in, believing that it where I would be practicing. I found a practice opportunity in Arizona the year after I graduated. I obtained an Arizona license then and maintained the other state license for approximately eight years until I realized I would never use it again, and then let it lapse.
Whereever life leads you, I think you will be able to apply for a state's optometry license with minimal difficulty even years out of school. There may be just a few exceptions to this, such as states with specific Boards score requirements or training requirements for procedures.
Rita recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much! This was very helpful.
Aleksandra
Nina Bajaj
Optometrist
1
Answer
East Hanover, New Jersey
Updated
Nina’s Answer
Aleksandra, I am a practicing optometrist that graduated about 10 years ago and hold current optometry licenses in NY, NJ and Ontario Canada. I couldn’t decide where I wanted to live!
When deciding where to get licensed, you will need to consider many things, the first being if you meet the requirements for that state. Some states require you to take another test, specific boards scores, or injections on your boards etc. whereas others don’t. As mentioned previously, every state has specific requirements for license upkeep, such as fees, continuing education credits and specific courses (opioids course, infectious disease, cpr).
I wouldn’t worry too much if you are graduating in a few years. This decision is typically made in your final year of rotations, maybe you will consider a residency and need to apply for that first, this may dictate where you need your license. Also, obtaining a state license is the easy part, for now focus on passing boards, good luck!
When deciding where to get licensed, you will need to consider many things, the first being if you meet the requirements for that state. Some states require you to take another test, specific boards scores, or injections on your boards etc. whereas others don’t. As mentioned previously, every state has specific requirements for license upkeep, such as fees, continuing education credits and specific courses (opioids course, infectious disease, cpr).
I wouldn’t worry too much if you are graduating in a few years. This decision is typically made in your final year of rotations, maybe you will consider a residency and need to apply for that first, this may dictate where you need your license. Also, obtaining a state license is the easy part, for now focus on passing boards, good luck!