Optometrist
Optometrists (also known as Doctors of Optometry) are medical professionals who provide primary eyecare through comprehensive eye examinations to detect and treat various visual abnormalities and eye diseases. Optometrists typically work closely together with other eye care professionals such as ophthalmologists and opticians in a number of professional settings to deliver quality eye care to the general public.
In Ohio, optometrists are licensed under chapter 4725 of the Ohio Revised Code. Applicants for licensure must be graduates of an accredited college of optometry and must pass Parts I, II, and III of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams. Applicants must also pass a background check and complete a two-hour instruction session on the Ohio law and rules prior to beginning to practice in Ohio.
LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
Laws and Rules Exam PowerPoint
On-Site O.D. Inspection Report
Drug-Induced Side Effects Report
QUICK TIPS
- Optometrist Renewal
- Continuing Education OE Tracker Electronically Reporting
- Continuing Education Other Hours Electronically Reporting
- How to Obtain a Copy of Your Receipts
CONTINUING EDUCATION
If you plan on utilizing the services of OE Tracker, please log onto www.arbo.org to verify that your hours are correct. It is your responsibility to notify the Board to let us know when you have 25 hours listed. We will then audit the hours for you. If you choose not to use OE Tracker, please use the QUICK TIPS: Continuing Education Other Hours Electronically Reporting.
Board Approved Courses
- C.E. Course List 2022-2023
- C.E. Course List 2021-2022
- www.eastwesteye.org
- Scientific and clinical educational courses and meetings of the College of Optometry at the Ohio State University
Forms
COPE Approved Courses
- www.arbo.org
- OE Tracker Information
- What Qualifies for Pharmacology Credit
- OE Tracker Information for C.E. Providers
C.E. for Volunteer Services
As most of you should know, the legislature passed House Bill 290 that allowed for up to eight (8) hours of continuing education credit for volunteer services to indigent and uninsured persons. At our December board meeting, the board approved a form for documenting the hours and a frequently asked questions page that will hopefully clear up what will be approved by board staff and what will not be approved. Please remember, although this is a great opportunity for those who can't afford services and for you to gain CE credit, it's still vital that you use continuing education to enhance your skills as an optometrist. Click here to see the amended rule. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the board staff.