OPTOMETRIST License in Texas
Quick Answer
To become a licensed optometrist in Texas, you need an O.D. degree, NBEO passage, and a state jurisprudence exam. Texas offers tiered certifications: therapeutic optometrist and optometric glaucoma specialist. Contact the Texas Optometry Board in Austin for current fees.
- Exam
- NBEO Parts I-III & Texas Jurisprudence Exam
- Timeline
- 3-6 months after O.D. graduation
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Annual
Requirements
OPTOMETRIST license in Texas
OPTOMETRIST Salary in Texas
Entry Level
$44,610
Median
$128,360
Experienced
$177,360
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 Texas.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Specific type of conviction prohibited
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Both state and third-party exams required — NBEO Parts I-III & Texas Jurisprudence Exam
- 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 Texas: What to Know
Texas has a tiered licensure system: a basic optometrist license, a therapeutic optometrist certification (allowing treatment of eye diseases, prescribing medicine, and foreign body removal), and an optometric glaucoma specialist certification (co-management with ophthalmologists plus limited oral drug prescribing). Both state and third-party exams are required. Specific criminal convictions are prohibited. An O.D. degree and continuing education are required with no experience or physical requirements. The Texas Optometry Board in Austin 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 Texas?
- 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 Texas?
- You need to pass the NBEO Parts I-III & Texas Jurisprudence Exam. Both state and third-party exams required
Considering another state?
Compare OPTOMETRIST requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.