LicenseCompass

Optometrist License in Hawaii

Quick Answer

To become a licensed optometrist in Hawaii, you need an accredited O.D. degree, NBEO Parts I-III, and TMOD for therapeutic certification. Initial fees total approximately $242 (application $15, license $42, compliance fund $100, renewal $85). License is biennial.

Exam
NBEO Parts I-III & TMOD
Total Cost
$242 (est.)
Timeline
3-6 months after O.D. graduation
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Biennial

Requirements

Optometrist license in Hawaii

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$15
Renewal Fee
$85
Total Estimated Cost
$242

Licensing Agency

Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Optometry

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Optometrist license in Hawaii. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$15
Total Estimated Cost$15

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Hawaii licensing board.

Optometrist Salary in Hawaii

Entry Level

$99,040

Median

$136,670

Experienced

$207,970

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 Hawaii.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — NBEO Parts I-III & TMOD

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$15.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 3-6 months after O.D. graduation.

Optometrist Licensing in Hawaii: What to Know

Hawaii provides detailed fee breakdowns. For the 2022 licensing cycle, fees totaled $242 (application $15, license $42, compliance resolution fund $100, half-renewal $85). TMOD certification is required for therapeutically certified optometrists. Hawaii requires graduation from an accredited program, NBEO Parts I-III passage, continuing education, and work experience. There were 293 active licenses as of February 2022, reflecting the limited market in Hawaii's island communities. No criminal record prohibitions or specific military provisions are noted in the COS data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrist license cost in Hawaii?
The estimated total cost is $242, including application fees, and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Optometrist license in Hawaii?
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 Hawaii?
You need to pass the NBEO Parts I-III & TMOD. Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

Compare Optometrist requirements across states.

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.