Optometrist License in Kentucky
Quick Answer
To become a licensed optometrist in Kentucky, you need 3 years of college, a 4-year O.D. degree with 12+ hours in pharmacology, NBEO Parts I-III, TMOD, and a state law exam. Fees are $200/year for residents ($400 for non-residents). TPA-certified optometrists can prescribe oral and topical drugs.
- Exam
- NBEO Parts I-III, TMOD & State Law/Oral Orientation
- Total Cost
- $200 (est.)
- Timeline
- 3-6 months after O.D. graduation
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Annual
Requirements
Optometrist license in Kentucky
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $200
- Total Estimated Cost
- $200
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Optometrist license in Kentucky. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Kentucky licensing board.
Optometrist Salary in Kentucky
Entry Level
$51,880
Median
$132,000
Experienced
$239,200
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 Kentucky.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NBEO Parts I-III, TMOD & State Law/Oral Orientation
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$200.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 3-6 months after O.D. graduation.
Optometrist Licensing in Kentucky: What to Know
Kentucky provides detailed requirements: minimum 3 years of college plus 4 years of optometry school with at least 12 semester hours in general and ocular pharmacology. Applicants must pass NBEO Parts I-III and TMOD, plus a State Law Exam and Oral Orientation. Initial and annual renewal fees are $200 for Kentucky residents and $400 for non-residents. Applicants must be at least 18. Continuing education is 8 hours annually for non-drug-certified and 15 hours for TPA-certified optometrists. Therapeutic certified optometrists may write prescriptions for oral and topical drugs. License renewal is due before March 1 annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Optometrist license cost in Kentucky?
- The estimated total cost is $200, including application fees, and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Optometrist license in Kentucky?
- 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 Kentucky?
- You need to pass the NBEO Parts I-III, TMOD & State Law/Oral Orientation. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Optometrist requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.