Licensure Application Process

Idaho law requires the licensure of all persons who practice or offer to practice optometry in the State of Idaho. Every applicant for licensure must be a person of good moral character, more than 21 years of age, and present certification of graduation from an accredited college or university of optometry which meets with the requirements set out in the rules and regulations of the Board.   A passing grade on all parts of the National Board of Examiners Optometry Examination is also required prior to licensure. This nationally standardized examination is scheduled and administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. 

Licensure is also available through endorsement.  

CERTIFICATION TO OBTAIN AND USE PHARMACEUTICAL AGENTS

    The Board of Optometry issues certification to obtain and use specific diagnostic drugs. This certification is noted on the license with the letters ODD followed by a number and is issued to any optometrist licensed to practice in Idaho who complies with both the minimum educational requirements in the subject of general and ocular pharmacology and the minimum continuing educational requirements set out below: 

            a.   Completed courses totaling fifty-five (55) hours of actual classroom instruction in general and ocular pharmacology and emergency medical care given by an institution approved by the Council on Post Secondary Accreditation of the U.S. Department of Education or an instructor accredited and employed by such institution and which have been approved by the Board. 

            b.   Completed a refresher course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) emergency medical care provided by the Emergency Medical Services Bureau or an equivalent program approved by the Board within a two (2) year period preceding issuance of the certificate by the Board.

            c.   In order to maintain the certificate issued by the Board, each certified optometrist must complete a refresher course in emergency medical care as described in Rule 600.01.b.ii. once during each two (2) year period following certification.

CERTIFICATION TO PRESCRIBE, ADMINISTER & DISPENSE

     Certification to prescribe, administer and dispense pharmaceutical agents for therapeutic use for the treatment of conditions of the eye and/or eyelid, may be granted by the Board.   This certification is noted on the license with the letters ODP followed by a number.  Such certification will be issued to any Idaho licensed optometrist who meets the following requirements: 

a.  Has successfully passed the "treatment and management of ocular disease" section of the optometrist examination approved by the International Association of Boards of Examiners in Optometry, Inc. or an equivalent examination as may be approved by the Board; and

b.  Is the holder of a certificate for the use of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents issued by the Board; and 

c.  Has completed such appropriate additional educational and clinical experience requirements as shall be established by the Board pursuant to Section 54-1509, Idaho Code.

Controlled Substance Registration Application

FEES

Application fee - $100.00

Certificate to Obtain & Use Pharmaceuticals - $10.00

Annual renewal fee - $150.00

The examination fee is set by the
National Board of Optometry Examiners

You may download an application for licensure and the Open Book Law & Rule Test or request an application by contacting:

Board of Optometry
Bureau of Occupational Licenses
1109 Main St., Suite 220
Boise, ID 83702-5642

Please provide your name, address, & day-time phone number with your request

Return to Idaho State Board of Optometry Home Page