Optometrist License in Rhode Island
Quick Answer
To become a licensed optometrist in Rhode Island, you need specific coursework, NBEO passage, and continuing education. No experience requirement applies. Contact the RI Department of Health in Providence for current fees.
- Exam
- NBEO Parts I-III
- Timeline
- 3-6 months after O.D. graduation
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Annual
Requirements
Optometrist license in Rhode Island
Optometrist Salary in Rhode Island
Entry Level
$64,710
Median
$144,360
Experienced
$207,430
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 Rhode Island.
- 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.
Optometrist Licensing in Rhode Island: What to Know
Rhode Island requires specific coursework, a third-party exam (NBEO), continuing education, and no experience for optometry licensure. The scope includes examining, diagnosing, and treating conditions of the visual system, prescribing corrective lenses, vision therapy, and controlling the visual environment. No criminal record prohibitions apply. The RI Department of Health, Health Professions Regulation in Providence oversees licensing. Fee details are not provided in the COS data.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Optometrist license in Rhode Island?
- 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 Rhode Island?
- You need to pass the NBEO Parts I-III. 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.