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. If you are active military or a military veteran, please notify the board office at the time you apply for a license.​

​​​​​

Create an account and apply online *Coming soon* ​​​

​

License Applications

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

Application, Less than 5 years [PDF, 317 KB]

Application, More than 5 years [PDF, 308 KB]​​


Initial License Requirements

  • Applicant shall be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character
  • Applicant shall submit an application furnished by the Board (application portal coming soon)​
  • 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​
  • Applicant shall pass all Parts of National Boards (i.e. Parts I, II, III, TMOD and ISE)​​*
  • Applicant shall pass a Jurisprudence Examination
  • A $500 application fee payable to Kentucky State Treasurer
  • A $25 payment to cover cost of the Healthcare Integrity and Protection Database query
  • 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 and approved by the Board in order to take the jurisprudence exam.

 

Licensure by Endorsement Requirements

  • Applicant shall submit an application furnished by
    the Board (application can be downloaded from
    this website)
  • Applicant shall furnish verification of being in active practice the past five (5) years
  • Certified transcripts of undergraduate and optometry school are required
  • 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 payable to Kentucky State Treasurer
  • A $25 fee to cover cost of a Healthcare Integrity and Protection Database query
  • 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 and approved by the Board in order to take the jurisprudence exam.​
*Graduates of Accredited Optometry Schools in the graduating classes of 2020 through 2023 are not required to have passed Part III of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO®), including the Injections Skill Exam (ISE®).

STATE AND FEDERAL (FINGERPRINTING) CRIMINAL​ BACKGROUND CHECKS ​

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

​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​ 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:


​

​​