Licensing Requirements

Requirements for licensing as an Optometrist in New Hampshire.

  1. An optometrist certified to use pharmaceutical agents in the practice of optometry shall complete a minimum of 50 hours of continuing education every year in order to maintain pharmaceutical certification. A minimum of 20 hours shall be by participation in formal courses and the remainder by independent study. An optometrist certified to treat glaucoma shall complete a minimum of 10 of the required hours in glaucoma specific education. A minimum of 7 hours shall be by participation in formal courses and 3 hours may be by independent study.
  2. Applicants must complete 2 years in a college maintaining a 2.0 grade average and is a graduate of an optometry college accredited by an established accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education maintaining a minimum of 4 years in optometric training.
  3. An applicant who graduated from a college of optometry prior to January 1, 1993, is required to pass a 105 hour post-graduate course given by an accredited college of optometry in the subject of ocular pharmacology and the treatment and management of ocular disease of which 25 hours shall have included direct clinical training.
  4. Applicants must successfully pass a written examination which shall be administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry or any successor agency designated by the Board.
  5. Applicants must pass an exam given by the Board consisting of questions requiring a knowledge of RSA 327 and the rules of the Board. The passing grade shall be 75% or greater.
  6. Applicants must pass a clinical proficiency examination given by NERCOATS or any successor agency designated by the Board.
  7. Letters of reference from 2 practicing optometrists who know the applicant professionally are required.
  8. Proof of current level C CPR.
  9. Verification of out of state licenses.


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