LICENSED OPTOMETRIST License in Illinois
Quick Answer
To become a licensed optometrist in Illinois, you need specific coursework, a third-party exam (NBEO), and continuing education. Contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in Springfield for current fees and requirements.
- Exam
- NBEO Parts I-III
- Timeline
- 3-6 months after O.D. graduation
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
LICENSED OPTOMETRIST license in Illinois
LICENSED OPTOMETRIST Salary in Illinois
Entry Level
$68,320
Median
$136,200
Experienced
$176,130
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed LICENSED OPTOMETRIST in Illinois.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Specific course required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NBEO Parts I-III
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 3-6 months after O.D. graduation.
LICENSED OPTOMETRIST Licensing in Illinois: What to Know
Illinois licenses optometrists for examining the human eye and appendages without the use of medicine or surgery, but permits appropriate use of topical ocular pharmaceutical agents for diagnostic purposes. The scope includes diagnosis, prescription and management of contact lenses, ocular exercises, and visual therapy. Specific coursework, a third-party exam, and continuing education are required, with no experience requirement or criminal record prohibitions. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation oversees licensing. Fee details are not available in the COS data.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a LICENSED OPTOMETRIST license in Illinois?
- 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 LICENSED OPTOMETRIST license in Illinois?
- You need to pass the NBEO Parts I-III. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare LICENSED OPTOMETRIST requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.