Optometrist License in Mississippi
Quick Answer
To become a licensed optometrist in Mississippi, you must pass NBEO Parts I-III including TMOD, plus the state board exam (January and July only). Application is $200 in-state ($300 out-of-state). Mississippi offers one of the broadest scopes of practice, including laser procedures for certified optometrists ($750 additional certification).
- Exam
- NBEO Parts I-III (including TMOD) & Mississippi State Board Exam
- Total Cost
- $200 (est.)
- Timeline
- 3-6 months after O.D. graduation
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Annual
Requirements
Optometrist license in Mississippi
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $200
- Total Estimated Cost
- $200
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Optometrist license in Mississippi. 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 Mississippi licensing board.
Optometrist Salary in Mississippi
Entry Level
$58,860
Median
$107,600
Experienced
$227,540
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 Mississippi.
- 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 (including TMOD) & Mississippi State Board Exam
- 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 Mississippi: What to Know
Mississippi has one of the broadest scopes of practice for optometrists in the nation. Licensed optometrists can prescribe pharmaceutical agents (excluding intraocular injection), perform minor surgical procedures including needle drainage of eyelid abscesses, excision of small epidermal lesions, incision and curettage of chalazion, simple eyelid laceration repair, and foreign body removal. Certified optometrists may even perform YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. Application fee is $200 in-state ($300 out-of-state). The state board exam covers Rules, Regulations, and Mississippi Law, given in January and July only. Applications must be submitted 30 days prior. Annual CE of 20 hours is required, with licenses renewed December 31st. Surgical certification costs $750 and requires a 32-hour course, written/clinical exams, and an 8-hour preceptorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Optometrist license cost in Mississippi?
- The estimated total cost is $200, including application fees, and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Optometrist license in Mississippi?
- 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 Mississippi?
- You need to pass the NBEO Parts I-III (including TMOD) & Mississippi State Board Exam. 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.