Online Application Instructions

Overview of Application Process

STEP 1 :Please read all the information on this page, then use the “Online Application” link.

STEP 2 : Complete application and submit payment. The instructions list the required documents that must be submitted with each application.

STEP 3 : Register with the NBEO to take the Maryland Online State Law Exam (OSLE), which is offered online at http://www.optometry.org

Important Notice: The application fee is not refundable. Once the application is accepted, the fee cannot be refunded if there is a failure to complete the application process (for example, not registering timely with the NBEO for the Jurisprudence Examination; not submitting required documents).

STEP 4 : ​Take the Jurisprudence Examination and submit any required additional documents to mdh.optometry@maryland.gov

 

Eligibility: To apply for a Maryland optometry license, an applicant must be:

  • A graduate of a college of optometry or university school of optometry endorsed by ARBO and accredited by the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association who passed Parts I, II and III of the NBEO.

 

ATTN: Military, Veterans, and Military Spouses

 

Licensure by Examination:

(Applicant who graduates from optometry school and applies within 3 years of graduation)

Application Requirements

  • Complete the Online Application
  • Application fee $300.00
  • All official transcripts must be received by mail or email directly from the educational institutions
  • Copy of optometry diploma
  • Passing scores on NBEO Parts I, II, III and the TMOD
  • Passing scores on the Maryland Online State Law Exam(OSLE)
  • Signed Passport Photo
  • 3 Letters of Recommendations
  • If licensed in another state; use the Verification Of License Form for each state in which you are licensed
  • Current CPR Certification card
  • All Documents are submitted to mdh.optometry@maryland.gov
  • Proof for DPA/TPA Certification (OE Tracker Summary Sheet)
  • TPA Certification

Graduated prior to July 1, 2019 must successfully complete a 10–hour course in advanced pharmacology with emphasis on the use of oral pharmaceutical agents in treating ocular diseases. The course is offered online by the MOA. You must contact the MOA directly to register at www.marylandoptometry.org

Licensure by Partial Waiver:

(Licensed and been actively practicing optometry in other jurisdictions, Teaching optometry, Military optometrist, Supervisor or administrative optometrist, or Researcher in optometry)

Application Requirements

Graduated from an accredited school of optometry before July 1, 2019 and has a passing score on NBEO Parts I, II, III and TMOD, completed 110 hours of Board-approved therapeutic education before applying for certification, has current CPR Certification, has successfully completed 8 hours of Board approved and accredited courses in the management of steroids, which includes anterior segment pharmacological treatment and has successfully completed a 10-hour course in advanced pharmacology with emphasis on the use of oral pharmaceutical agents in treating ocular diseases. This course is given online by the MOA. You must contact the MOA directly to register at www.marylandoptometry.org

Reapplication

(A Non-Renewed License more than 5 years from the expiration date)

Application Requirements

Graduated from an accredited school of optometry before July 1, 2019 and has a passing score on NBEO Parts I, II, III and TMOD, completed 110 hours of Board-approved therapeutic education before applying for certification, has current CPR Certification, has successfully completed 8 hours of Board approved and accredited courses in the management of steroids, which includes anterior segment pharmacological treatment and has successfully completed a 10-hour course in advanced pharmacology with emphasis on the use of oral pharmaceutical agents in treating ocular diseases. This course is given online by the MOA. You must contact the MOA directly to register at www.marylandoptometry.org

Reinstatement

(A Non-Renewed License expired less than 5 years of the expiration date)

Application Requirements

  • Complete the Online Application
  • • Reinstatement fee $50.00 (payable after failure to renew license for less than 5 years. Licensee shall pay renewal fees for each renewal cycle missed)
  • If licensed in another state; use the Verification Of License Form for each state in which you are licensed
  • Current CPR Certification card
  • All Documents are submitted to mdh.optometry@maryland.gov
  • Proof for DPA/TPA Certification (OE Tracker Summary Sheet)
  • TPA Certification

Graduated from an accredited school of optometry before July 1, 2019 and has a passing score on NBEO Parts I, II, III and TMOD, completed 110 hours of Board-approved therapeutic education before applying for certification, has current CPR Certification, has successfully completed 8 hours of Board approved and accredited courses in the management of steroids, which includes anterior segment pharmacological treatment and has successfully completed a 10-hour course in advanced pharmacology with emphasis on the use of oral pharmaceutical agents in treating ocular diseases. This course is given online by the MOA. You must contact the MOA directly to register at www.marylandoptometry.org

Reactivation:

(An Inactive License)

Application Requirements

Graduated prior to July 1, 2019 must successfully complete a 10–hour course in advanced pharmacology with emphasis on the use of oral pharmaceutical agents in treating ocular diseases. The course is offered online by the MOA. You must contact the MOA directly to register at www.marylandoptometry.org