Ky.gov
Kentucky
Board of Optometric Examiners

Applicants

Licensure

​​​​​​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 Applications

The type of application required for licensure depends on how many years you've been practicing.

​Application for Licensure to Practice Optometry April 2026.pdf

Application for Licensure to Practice by Endorsement April 2026.pdf

Initial License Requirements

  • Applicant shall be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character
  • Applicant shall submit an application available for download on the Board web site.  Application and documents can be submitted securely via email to optometry@ky.gov
  • Applicant shall be a graduate of an accredited school or college of optometry accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education
  • Certified copies of transcripts from undergraduate and optometry school are required​ from the institution and can be emailed to optometry@ky.gov
  • Applicant shall pass all parts of National Boards (i.e. NBEO parts I, II, III, TMOD)  Effective 1/1/27 applicants shall pass the NBEO ISE exam
  • Applicant shall pass a Jurisprudence Examination
  • A $500 application fee (Applicant will be invoiced after application is received)  Online payment via credit/debit card or E-check is accepted
  • A $25 payment to cover cost of the Healthcare Integrity and Protection Database query (Applicant will be invoiced after application is received)
  • Satisfactory FBI background report through Iden​togo (see instructions below)
  • Applicant shall furnish all other information requested by the Board as stated on the application
  • Completed application, fees and documents must be submitted in order to take the jurisprudence exam

 

Licensure by Endorsement Requirements

  • Applicant shall submit an application furnished by the Board and can be submitted securely via email to optometry@ky.gov
  • Applicant shall furnish verification of being in active practice the past five (5) years
  • Certified transcripts of undergraduate and optometry school are required from the institution and can be emailed to optometry@ky.gov
  • A certificate of good standing from the board(s) where the applicant is currently licensed and from all state boards where the applicant has held a license in the past 
  • Copy of credential that proves the applicant is therapeutically licensed
  • A $700 application fee  (Applicant will be invoiced after application is received)  Online payment via credit/debit card or E-check is accepted​
  • A $25 fee to cover cost of a Healthcare Integrity and Protection Database query (Applicant will be invoiced after application is received)
  • Applicant shall furnish all other information requested by the Board as stated on the application
  • Satisfactory FBI background report (see information below)
  • Completed application, fees and documents must be submitted in order to take the jurisprudence exam
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STATE AND FEDERAL (FINGERPRINTING) CRIMINAL​ BACKGROUND CHECKS ​

Note:  All state and federal background checks are valid for a period of sixty days.

​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 .

This​ 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:


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