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How to become a licensed Optometrist in Arkansas. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Licensed Optometrist
Yes
NBEO Required
Yes
TPA Certified
Allowed
Laser Procedures
Required
Jurisprudence
20 hrs
CE Hours
$5135
Total Initial Fees
O.D. Degree & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)
ACOE Accreditation
Required
Program Length
4 years
Clinical Hours
2000 hrs
Prerequisite Education
3-4 years undergraduate (90+ semester hours minimum)
Optometrists must earn a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from an ACOE-accredited program. Programs are typically 4 years in length and include extensive clinical training. Prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics is typically required.
Browse approved optometrist training programs to find the right fit.
Browse Optometrist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Exam Requirements
VerifiedNBEO Required
National Board of Examiners in Optometry
Part I
Applied Basic Science (ABS)
Part II
Patient Assessment and Management (PAM)
Part III
Clinical Skills - Part III PEPS (Patient Education and Population-based Solutions)
NBEO Fee: $4335
Combined fee for all three NBEO parts ($1445 each) paid to NBEO; increases to $1490/part August 2026
Jurisprudence Exam
Required
Details
Arkansas requires 1 hour of jurisprudence CE annually as part of renewal
Retake Policy
NBEO allows retakes of individual parts; waiting periods and attempt limits vary by part. Check NBEO Exam Eligibility Policy for details.
The NBEO consists of three parts: Part I (Applied Basic Science), Part II (Patient Assessment and Management), and Part III (Clinical Skills). All parts must be passed for licensure. Many states also require a jurisprudence exam covering state-specific optometry laws and regulations.
Study guides for the NBEO licensing exam.
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Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents
VerifiedTPA Certified
Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents Certification
Oral Medications
Permitted
Injectable Medications
Permitted
TPA Requirements
Completion of ACOE-accredited optometric program with TPA curriculum; passage of TMOD (Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease) examination
TPA Continuing Education
10 hours of TPA-specific CE per renewal cycle
TPA certification allows optometrists to prescribe and administer therapeutic pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of eye diseases and conditions. Requirements for TPA certification, including permitted medications and CE requirements, vary by state.
Permitted Procedures & Services
VerifiedYes
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Yes
Contact Lens Prescribing
Yes
Glaucoma Treatment
Yes
Laser Procedures
Yes
Minor Surgical Procedures
Yes
Oral Medications
Yes
Injectable Medications
Yes
Telepractice Permitted
Restricted Activities
Optometrists' scope of practice varies significantly by state. While all states allow comprehensive eye exams and contact lens prescribing, laser procedures, minor surgery, and injectable medication privileges are only available in select states. Scope continues to expand as legislation evolves.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $400 |
NBEO Fee Combined fee for all three NBEO parts ($1445 each) | $4335 |
License Fee | $400 |
TPA Fee | $0 |
Renewal Fee | $300 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, NBEO ($4335 total for 3 parts), license fee, and TPA certification | $5135 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Government & exam fees
Application, exam & license fees
$5,135
Study guides & supplies
Optometry Exam Prep Books
Estimated total (gov't fees)
$5,135
Average Optometrist salary in Arkansas: $99,970/year
Your investment pays for itself in approximately 19 days
Education and training costs vary by provider. Government fees sourced from state licensing board websites.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year (annual)
Renewal Period
20 hrs
CE Hours Required
10 hrs
TPA CE Hours
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$300
Regulatory Board
Optometrist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as ocular disease, pharmacology, and ethics. TPA-certified optometrists typically have additional CE requirements specific to pharmaceutical agents.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
Yes
NBEO Portability
NBEO scores are portable across all 50 states and DC; scores can be transferred to any state board via ARBO OE Tracker
Reciprocity Requirements
NBEO scores are portable across states, making it easier for optometrists to obtain licensure in multiple states. Most states offer endorsement pathways for out-of-state optometrists with active licenses and clean disciplinary records.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Arkansas allows YAG capsulotomy and SLT but specifically excludes LPI from optometric laser scope. Requires 12 of 20 annual CE hours to be live in-person.
Arkansas permits YAG capsulotomy and SLT but NOT LPI.
Minor surgical procedures are permitted.
Injectable medications authorized.
20 CE hours required annually with 12 live in-person.
1 hour jurisprudence CE required annually.
Maximum 4 hours online CE allowed.
There is no interstate compact for optometrists.
Optometrist requirements in nearby states
Arkansas ranks #43 out of 51 for lowest optometrist licensing fees ($5135). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arkansas.
Optometrist Schools in Arkansas
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#47 of 51
Cost
#43 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Optometrists (SOC 29-1041)
Entry Level
$75,500
25th percentile
Median
$99,970
-26% vs. national avg ($134,830)Experienced
$136,950
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
350 employed in this state
Note: BLS data for optometrists may underrepresent earnings for practice owners. Self-employed optometrists' total income often exceeds reported wage data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Optometrists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+11.1%
High DemandNew Jobs
+5,200
over 10 years
Annual Openings
2,700
per year (avg.)
47,000 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Vision Care Career Ladder+120% salary growth potential
You are here
Optometrist
$99,970
OD degree (4 years) + NBEO exams
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
$45,440
You are here
Optometrist
OD degree (4 years) + NBEO exams
$99,970
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 216–236 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Arkansas State Board of Optometry — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Arkansas State Board of Optometry — Licensing Requirements
Moving to Arkansas? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Optometrist license to Arkansas →
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Arkansas requires passing the NBEO for optometrist licensure. TPA certification is available for prescribing therapeutic medications. Laser procedures are permitted. All licensing is managed through the Arkansas State Board of Optometry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.