​​KY Board of Optometric Examiners
2365 Harrodsburg Road
Suite A240
Lexington, KY  40504-3333
 
Ph:  859-246-2744
Fax:  859-246-2746
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Registering with KASPER

KY licensed optometrists who have a DEA number must register with KASPER or your license will not be renewed. 
 
If you need assistance registering with KASPER by paper, please call 502-564-2703.
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WELCOME

COVID-19 State of Emergency Expires

ATTENTION 2023 OPTOMETRY SCHOOL GRADUATES- 
At its meeting on November 4, 2022, the KBOE voted to uphold its February decision, which took place before the State of Emergency was ended by the Legislature and Governor, and return to no longer requiring those graduating from Optometry Schools in the Class of 2023 to pass Part III of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO®), including the Injections Skill Exam (ISE®).​ 

As referenced above, on March 22, 2022, the General Assembly approved final passage of SJR 150, which officially ended the COVID-related state of emergency in Kentucky. With the state of emergency lifted, Kentucky Licensed Optometrists may return to pre-pandemic conditions.  It is the responsibility of every practicing Optometrist to ensure the safety of themselves, staff, and of patients under their care, especially those with underlying conditions, which make them more vulnerable to infectious conditions.  Kentucky Licensed Optometrists are urged to consult with CDC Guidelines​  to maintain the appropriate level of prevention and care.  Further review OSHA's website for workplace requirements and regulations .

While licensees may return to practicing under pre-pandemic conditions, they can and should continue use to their professional judgement to follow the protocols they deem appropriate for their unique staff and patient environment​.


Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners
2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite A240
Lexington, Kentucky  40504-3333
ATTENTION 2023 OPTOMETRY SCHOOL GRADUATES- 
At its meeting on November 4, 2022, the KBOE voted to uphold its February decision, which took place before the State of Emergency was ended by the Legislature and Governor, and return to no longer requiring those graduating from Optometry Schools in the Class of 2023 to pass Part III of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO®), including the Injections Skill Exam (ISE®).​  

The Board has waived the requirement that applicants in the Optometry school graduating classes of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 pass Part III of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO®), including the Injections Skill Exam (ISE®). 

The Board will meet in June, to review your application for license. If you pass the law exam, and have provided a completed application the Board will licen​se you and you will be given your initial licensure letter that day. The letter will indicate a pro-rated licensure fee of $190 plus $50 for a TPA certificate and large wall certificate will be due. This fee must be paid before a license number will be issued. You will not be permitted to practice prior to receiving your license number. If you want to pay the fee of $240 fee on the date of the law exam, following the exam, only checks will be accepted.

All new licensees are required to be credentialed in Expanded Therapeutic Procedures prior to the second renewal of license. If your optometry school did not include all components of 201 KAR 5:110 Section 1 (2), you will be required to complete the 32-hour ETP course. Contact the Kentucky Optometric Association at 502-875-3516 for more information relating to this course.
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​FREE On-Line Pain Management Continuing Education
 
Link:  http://www.cecentral.com/addictionky Two hours of pain management coursework are required annually as long as you have a DEA license.  The courses are sponsored by the University of KY and are free.  There are several courses available and you will need to complete 2 courses to equal 2 hours annually.
 
 You will be required to create a CE Central Account if you are a first time user.  Click the link above for course offerings.
 
 After you make your course selection, click on "Learn More" in the Activity Detail box to the right of the course title.  Watch the video and answer the questions at the end.  Print your completion certificate and fax to the Board at 859-246-2746.  Remember you cannot repeat a course.  Print your transcript and it will show courses already taken.  Call UK CE Central at 859-257-5320 if you have any problems.
 
 
ANOTHER OPTION FOR COMPLETING THE PAIN MANAGEMENT/ADDICTION DISORDER COURSE:
 
SECO University is offering two courses that will fulfill this requirement.  Go to:  https://secouniversity.com/kentucky/ky.html  If you have any problems registering, you can contact Dr. Walt Mayo at 843-446-3465 and his email address is:  waltmayo@gmail.com
 
1.  Course:  Pain Management in the Optometric Practice for 2 hours
 
2.  Course:  Narcotic Prescribing and Drug Diversion for 2 hours
 
 Remember to forward your completion certificate to the board office. 
 
 
 

NOTICE

Applicants for initial licensure shall submit to a FBI criminal background check by means of a finger-print check pursuant to 201 KAR 5:010 Section 2(a)(b) & KRS 218A.205
 

 STATE AND FEDERAL (FINGERPRINTING) CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS ​

Note:  All state and federal background checks are valid for a period of six months.

EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2021 - A NEW PROCESS FOR STATE AND FEDERAL (FINGERPRINTING) BACKGROUND CHECKS


All applicants will need to register via the UEnroll website utilizing our Service Code (27GJZY). You will are now able to complete both the state and federal (fingerprinting) background checks through this service.


IdentoGO is committed to a 98% classifiable rate, which means quality prints, less rejections, and quick responses. Appointments are available by scheduling on-line at http://uenroll.identogo.com or by calling 1-844-543-9714.


This new process:

  • Eliminates the need to request background checks from two separate entities
  • Improves the capture, accuracy, tracking and delivery of record information for background check purposes
  • Ensures data integrity, data validation, error remediation, and improved systemperformance
  • Eliminates the need for agencies to capture fingerprints, collect payments, and remit for processing
  • Eliminates the need for the Kentucky State Police (KSP) to manually scan and process fingerprint hard cards

Also offers:

  • Web Portal and Call Center is available for applicants to schedule an enrollment session
  • Unique Service Codes for fingerprint reasons eliminates printing for incorrect purposes
  • FlexCheck Solution processes and provides a portal with secure access to status and results for authorized users

Additional information provided below:

License Applications

The type of application required for licensure depends on how many years you've been practicing.  If you would like to apply for licensure please contact us at carson.kerr@ky.gov to inform us of your intent to apply.
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If you are active military or a military veteran, please notify the board office at the time you apply for a license. 

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IMPORTANT:

 All applicants that have not graduated from an optometry school that has confirmed the Expanded Therapeutic  (ETP) coursework is included in its curriculum, must complete a 32-hour ETP course and be credentialed prior to the 2nd renewal of license.

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*License Lookup*

Need to find an optometrist in your city or county?  Want to see the status of a doctor's license?  You can search our online database of providers and search by last name, license number, city or county.​​

UPCOMING MEETINGS OF THE KBOE:

February 17, 2023​

10:00 AM ET

Louisville Marriott East, Louisville, Kentucky​



WELCOME