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How to Verify an Optometrist License

Optometrists (ODs) are licensed by state boards of optometry. There is no national optometry license database equivalent to NURSYS — verification requires a direct lookup with the board in the state where the OD practices. Here is the complete process, including how to check therapeutic and surgical authorization permits.

· 7 min read

Quick answer

Verify directly with the state board of optometry in each state where the OD practices. All state boards maintain free public license lookups. Confirm Active status, expiration date, and any disciplinary history. For ODs in expanded practice roles, also confirm the state permits the relevant scope (therapeutic drugs, laser procedures) and that the OD holds the required endorsement.

State optometry board lookups

Each state's optometry board (or the state health licensing agency that oversees optometry) maintains a public license search. The issuing authority varies — in some states optometry is regulated by a standalone board; in others it falls under a larger department of professional licensing.

State optometry board portals (selected)

  • California: California State Board of Optometry — optometry.ca.gov; License Search
  • Texas: Texas Optometry Board — tob.texas.gov; License Verification
  • Florida: Florida DBPR — myfloridalicense.com; search Optometrist
  • New York: NYS Office of the Professions — op.nysed.gov/verification; search Optometry
  • Illinois: Illinois IDFPR — idfpr.illinois.gov/LicenseLookup; Optometrist
  • Pennsylvania: PA State Board of Optometry — dos.pa.gov; License Search
  • Ohio: Ohio State Board of Optometry — optometry.ohio.gov; License Verification
  • North Carolina: NC State Board of Opticians — ncoptometry.org; License Search

For states not listed, search “[State] board of optometry license verification” to find the relevant portal. All state lookups are publicly accessible and free.

NBEO: the national board exam

The National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) administers the licensing exams required for optometry licensure in all U.S. states. NBEO exams include:

  • Part I (Applied Basic Science): Basic science competency exam
  • Part II (Patient Assessment and Management): Clinical competency exam
  • Part III (Clinical Skills Examination, CSE): Hands-on clinical skills
  • TMOD (Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease): Required in states that allow therapeutic drug prescribing

NBEO exam passage is a condition for obtaining a state license — it does not itself constitute a license. The state board, not NBEO, issues the license and is the authoritative source for license status.

NBEO exam records can be requested directly from NBEO (optometry.org) for credentialing purposes, but state board license records are sufficient for most employment verification purposes.

Therapeutic drug permits and expanded scope

Optometry scope of practice varies significantly by state. All states allow ODs to prescribe topical ophthalmic medications. Most states also allow ODs to prescribe oral therapeutic drugs for ocular conditions. A smaller number of states allow ODs to perform laser procedures (e.g., SLT for glaucoma).

When hiring for a role that requires a specific scope of practice, confirm:

  • Whether the state where the OD will practice authorizes the required scope
  • Whether the OD holds any additional endorsements, certifications, or permits required by that state for the expanded scope
  • DEA registration, if the role involves prescribing controlled ophthalmic medications (e.g., some glaucoma medications, Schedule II-V)

Therapeutic drug permits and other endorsements typically appear on the state board license record. If they do not, contact the state board directly to confirm the OD's authorized scope.

What disciplinary records reveal

State optometry board discipline records are public. Common violations include:

  • Practicing beyond authorized scope (e.g., performing surgical procedures not permitted in the state)
  • Controlled substance violations (inappropriate prescribing, diversion)
  • Standard of care violations
  • Billing fraud and insurance scheme violations
  • Failure to maintain continuing education requirements
  • Unprofessional conduct toward patients or staff

DEA registration verification

ODs with prescriptive authority for controlled substances must register with the DEA. DEA registration can be verified through the DEA Diversion Control Division at deadiversion.usdoj.gov. Registration status indicates whether the OD is currently authorized to prescribe controlled substances and whether any restrictions or conditions apply.

A DEA registration suspension or revocation is a serious red flag and must be investigated even if the state license remains Active.

Optometry school accreditation

Optometry programs must be accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A degree from a non-ACOE-accredited program is not eligible for NBEO examination or state licensure in the U.S.

International optometry degrees require a foreign credential evaluation before a candidate can sit for NBEO exams and apply for U.S. state licensure.

Verification checklist

  • 1. Collect the OD's name, license number, and state(s) of licensure at intake
  • 2. Search the state board of optometry license portal — confirm Active status and expiration date
  • 3. Review the full disciplinary record — Active licenses can carry restrictions
  • 4. For roles requiring therapeutic prescribing, confirm state authorization and any required endorsements
  • 5. For roles involving controlled substances, verify DEA registration at deadiversion.usdoj.gov
  • 6. Set renewal reminder — optometry licenses typically renew every 1–2 years depending on state

Verify optometry school accreditation

Optometry programs must be ACOE-accredited. Use VerifyED to confirm that a candidate's program was accredited before accepting their educational credentials.

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