Optometrist / Oregon
2026 data Oregon board official source

Oregon Optometrist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Examines eyes for vision defects and prescribes corrective lenses.

What the Oregon data shows for Optometrists

Oregon sets the entry bar for optometrists at 4,941 training hours and a passing score on NBEO Exam Series. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Oregon's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Optometry (OD)".

The initial price tag is $475, and renewal costs $381 every 2 years. Maintaining the license requires 40 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

For optometrists, the reciprocity picture is: Not part of compact — state-by-state endorsement.

Licensing Requirements in Oregon

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
4,941 hours
Exam Requirement
NBEO Exam Series
Required
Initial License Fee
$475
Renewal Fee
$381
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
40 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Optometrist All Oregon licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Oregon licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Optometrist in Oregon? ▼
Oregon's requirements cover 4941 hours of education or training, the NBEO Exam Series exam, and an initial fee of $475. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as an Optometrist in Oregon? ▼
Oregon licenses optometrists who complete its requirements (4941 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Oregon licensing board.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Oregon from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for optometrists nationally works like this: Not part of compact — state-by-state endorsement. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Oregon. Verify the specifics with the Oregon licensing board.
Does Oregon require a background check for Optometrist licensing? ▼
Yes, Oregon requires a criminal background check as part of the optometrist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Optometrist in Oregon? ▼
Licensed optometrists in Oregon must complete 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $381.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.