How to Guide: Optometrist
How To Apply
Optometrist licenses expire every two years and are renewable on or before December 31st of odd numbered years.
- Licensure requires signatures across all forms along with an application fee. Some forms require notarizing. See specific instructions below for these instructions.
- See specific instructions for application depending on license and application type.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees to be considered for licensure.
- The Georgia Board will not review incomplete applications.
- Optometrists with DEA permits are required to register for the prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP). All new DEA prescriber registrants must register with the PDMP within thirty (30) days of obtaining a DEA Permit.
- To register for the PDMP visit https://dph.georgia.gov/pdmp on the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) website. For additional information or to submit any questions, requests or concerns regarding this please contact DPH at 404-463-1517 or send an email to [email protected].
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
Optometrist Licensure by Examination
Optometrist Licensure by Endorsement
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the online portal.
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are processed in the order in which they are received.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, please submit all requested items at one time, as soon as possible, to prevent processing delays.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.
- Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
- Check Application Status >>
- Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
- Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication used by the Board.
- Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
Disability Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Public Law 101-336), the Professional Licensing Boards Division provides for reasonable accommodations by designated vendors for exam candidates with disabilities that may interfere with their performance on a Licensure Examination.
Applicants may request an accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act by submitting an application and all supporting documentation to the respective Board and/or a designated vendor as instructed on this form>>
Veteran’s Preference
Veterans, military service members, transitioning service members and military spouses of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. Download program information>>
- If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference Points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 form, showing that you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of 90 days. Contact the VA to request make a DD-214 Request >>
Fees
|
Application |
$300 |
|
Volunteer License |
Processing Fee Only for Initial Application |
|
Endorsement |
$400 |
|
Reinstatement |
$500 |
|
Volunteer License |
$50 |
|
Renewal |
$125 |
|
Volunteer License |
$35 |
|
Late renewal |
$325 |
|
Volunteer License |
$50 |
|
Duplicate pocket identification card |
$25 |
|
Decorative wall certificate |
$50 |
|
Verification of licensure |
$35 |
|
Roster of licensees |
$100 |
|
Copied materials |
$0.025/page |
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
Optometrist Licensure by Examination
If you have never been licensed in Georgia as an Optometrist, have not taken any of the required exams, are not licensed in another state or jurisdiction, and you meet the requirements for licensure...
If you have never been licensed in Georgia as an Optometrist, have not taken any of the required exams, are not licensed in another state or jurisdiction, and you meet the requirements for licensure, choose the option of licensure by Examination on the application form. You must submit an application to the Board along with the required fee and all supporting documents.
The following is a checklist of the required supplemental documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Jurisprudence Exam
- NBEO Scores Part 1
- NBEO Scores Part 2
- NBEO Scores Part 3
- TMOD
- Official College Transcripts
- Verification of License (Select State)
- CPR Certification
- Malpractice Coverage
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Scheduled for State Exam
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $300.
Optometrist Licensure by Endorsement
If you are licensed in another state or jurisdiction, and the license is current and unencumbered, and you wish to apply for a professional license as an Optometrist in Georgia by Endorsement it is required that you file an application with the Secretary.
If you are licensed in another state or jurisdiction, and the license is current and unencumbered, and you wish to apply for a professional license as an Optometrist in Georgia by Endorsement it is required that you file an application with the Secretary of State.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application, signed and notarized:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Active in Practice 5 of Last 7 Years
- Jurisprudence Exam
- NBEO Scores Part 1
- NBEO Scores Part 2
- NBEO Scores Part 3
- Verification of License (Select State)
- Official College Transcripts
- TMOD
- CPR Certification
- Malpractice Coverage
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $400.
Optometrist Voluntary Licensure
The volunteer licensee shall be permitted to practice optometry pursuant to Board Rule 430-2-.08 Volunteers in Optometry.
The volunteer licensee shall be permitted to practice optometry only in the non-compensated employ of public agencies or institutions, not for profit agencies, not for profit institutions, nonprofit corporations, or not for profit associations which provide health care specialty services only to indigent patients in areas which are underserved by that specialty or critical need population areas of the state, as determined by the Board, or pursuant to Article 8 of Chapter 8 of Title 31. You must submit an application to the Board and all supporting documents.
The following is a checklist of the required supplemental documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application >>
- Copy of Health Care Specialty degree
- Verification of License (Select State)
- Employing Entity Notarized Statement – Board Form
- Continuing Education (If applicable)
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
There is no application fee for the initial volunteer licensure, only a processing fee ($10.00 mail-in only).
Optometrist Reinstatement
If you have previously held a Georgia Optometry license and it has lapsed for failure to renew or been revoked by the Board, you can apply to have that license reinstated.
If you have previously held a Georgia Optometry license and it has lapsed for failure to renew or been revoked by the Board, you can apply to have that license reinstated. Reinstatement is at the sole discretion of the Board.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application >>
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Verification of License (Select State)
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $500.
Optometrist Renewal
Optometrist licenses expire every two years and are renewable on or before December 31st of odd numbered years. Late Renewal is January 1 to January 31 of odd numbered years.
Optometrist licenses expire every two years and are renewable on or before December 31st of odd numbered years. Late Renewal is January 1 to January 31 of odd numbered years. Licenses must be renewed either online or by calling 404-424-9966 to request paper renewal coupon be emailed to you.
- To process your renewal, log in to your account on the Georgia Online Licensing site.
- Click on the License Renewal button on the right hand side of the page. Enter your login information.
- If you do not remember your login credentials, click on the link to reset for a “person” type license.
- Follow the instructions for online renewal specific for your license.
Submit a completed application along with the non-refundable renewal application fee of $125.
Volunteer Licensure renewal is $35.
Late renewal period non-refundable renewal and penalty fee is $325.
Volunteer Licensure late renewal fee is $50.
How to File
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the online portal.
To file by mail:
Call 404-424-9966 and request a paper renewal coupon be mailed to you. When completed, please mail the renewal coupon, the required fee, and any supporting documents to:
Georgia Board of Optometry
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
- After renewing online or by mail, CHECK your license expiration date online to assure the renewal was completed.
Contact
Related Resources
- Online Resource GA Optometric Association
- Online Resource American Academy of Optometry
- Online Resource American Optometric Association
- Online Resource National Board of Examiners in Optometry