Optometrist License in Arkansas
Quick Answer
To become a licensed optometrist in Arkansas, you must be 21+, hold an O.D. degree, complete a 100-hour ophthalmologist-supervised internship, and pass both the NBEO and Arkansas state board exams. Annual renewal is $150. Temporary licenses are available for military members and spouses.
- Exam
- NBEO Parts I-III & Arkansas State Board Exam
- Timeline
- 3-6 months after O.D. graduation
- Renewal
- Every Annual
Requirements
Optometrist license in Arkansas
Estimated Costs Est.
- Renewal Fee
- $150
Optometrist Salary in Arkansas
Entry Level
$56,030
Median
$99,970
Experienced
$217,800
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Optometrist in Arkansas.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
State exam required — NBEO Parts I-III & Arkansas State Board Exam
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 3-6 months after O.D. graduation.
Optometrist Licensing in Arkansas: What to Know
Arkansas provides a very detailed scope of practice for optometrists, including prescribing medications, performing minor surgical procedures such as foreign body removal, and pre/post-operative management of surgical patients like cataract cases. Applicants must be over 21, of good moral character, graduate from an ACOE-accredited college of optometry, complete a 100-hour internship supervised by a board-certified ophthalmologist, and pass all parts of the NBEO plus written and practical state board exams. Arkansas offers temporary licenses for military personnel and spouses. Annual license renewal fee is $150.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Optometrist license in Arkansas?
- The process typically takes 3-6 months after O.D. graduation, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Optometrist license in Arkansas?
- You need to pass the NBEO Parts I-III & Arkansas State Board Exam. State exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Optometrist requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.