Description
Optometrists diagnose and treat optical defects, deficiencies, deformities, or diseases of the human eye, or any visual or muscular anomaly of the visual system. They adapt or prescribe spectable lenses, contact lenses, prisms, or ocular exercises for correction, relief, or aid of visual functions. Some are certified to prescribe, administer, or dispense pharmaceutical agents.
| Statute/Rules |
NH RSA 327; Administrative Rules Chapter Opt 100 - 600 |
| | |
| Regulatory Agency |
BOARD OF REGISTRATION IN OPTOMETRY
2 Industrial Park Drive, Suite 8
Concord, New Hampshire 03301 |
| | |
| phone |
(603) 271-2428 |
| fax |
(603) 271-6702 |
| web |
www.nh.gov/optometry/ |
| contact person |
Penny Taylor, Administrator |
| e-mail |
not provided |
| | |
Licensure Requirements
- Must be over 18 years of age
- Good moral character
- Complete a minimum of two years at a college of arts and sciences
- Graduate from an accredited college of optometry, maintaining a minimum of four years in optometric training
- Must pass the National Board Examinations
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
- Optometrists seeking authorization to treat glaucoma must complete 40 hours of classroom education approved by the board on topics related to glaucoma
Examination
- Written examinations required—National Board of Examiners in Optometry Exam Parts I, II, and III; and State examinations. An additional examination is required for optometrists seeking authorization to treat glaucoma.
Continuing Education
- All TPA (Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents) certified licensed optometrists shall complete a minimum of 50 credit hours of approved continuing education requirements every calendar year, at least 20 credit hours of which shall be in Class I, and the remainder of which shall be Class II. An optometrist with prescriptive authority to treat glaucoma shall complete ten of the required hours in glaucoma specific education, with a minimum of seven hours in Class I, and the remainder in Class II. All non-TPA certified licensed optometrists shall complete 15 hours of Class I credits each calendar year.
Fees
| Initial application (including state examination fee) |
$300.00 |
| State examination |
$100.00 |
| Annual renewal |
$125.00 |
| Application for TPA certification |
$25.00 |
| License reinstatement |
$200.00 |
Reciprocity: Permitted with states that have similar licensing requirements and reciprocate in kind
Residence/Citizenship: Neither New Hampshire residency nor US citizenship is required
Number of Active Licenses: 266
Standard Occupational Code (O*Net): 29-1041.00 Optometrists
Related Training: Optometry
Further Information*
National Board of Examiners in Optometry
200 South College Street #1920
Charlotte NC 28202
phone: (800) 969-3926
web: <www.optometry.org>
Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry
1750 South Brentwood Boulevard, Suite 503
St Louis MO 63144-1341
phone: (314) 758-6000
web: <www.arbo.org>
last revision: August 2007
*For reference only. This listing does not constitute an endorsement of any organization, and is subject to change.
