If you have a question you feel would be helpful to be listed here, please email the Board staff so the question can be added for the benefit of others. Thank you!
Q: Does Florida reciprocate with other states?
A: No, Florida offers licensure by examination only.
Q: How often is the examination given?
A: Once a year; in July.
Q: What is the deadline to apply?
A: May 19, 2009
Q: What are the requirements to apply for licensure?
A. Must take & pass the Florida Examination.
1. Graduate of accredited school or college of Optometry.
2. Successfully completed at least 110 hours of transcript-quality coursework & clinical training in general & ocular pharmacology at an institution that:
a. has facilities for both didactic & clinical instructions in pharmacology; and
b. is accredited by a regional or professional accrediting organization that is recognized and approved by the Commission on Postsecondary Accreditation or the US Department of Education.
3. Completed at least 1 year of supervised experience in differential diagnosis of eye disease or disorders as part of the optometric training or in a clinical setting as part of the optometric experience.
4. Passing score on parts I, II & the Treatment & Management of Ocular Disease (TMOD) of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examination within 5 years prior to application for the state examination. Said 5 year period shall be extended to include those immediately proceeding years after the applicant has taken and passed the NBEO & during which the applicant was continuously attending a qualified school of optometry.
We encourage you to use our Licensure Eligibility Evaluation Exercise located on the New Licensee Services portion of FLHealthSource.com.
Q: I have just graduated from Optometry school and moved to Florida, what can I do?
A: You can not work as an optometrist in the state unless you are licensed. The application may be found in your optometry application booklet, or you can download the application. Please read all instructions regarding this application.
Q: Can I fax my change of address to you or may I leave my change of address on your voice mail or can you take a change of address over the phone?
A: We can accept changes of address by fax or email, but not by voicemail message or by telephone. Florida law requires all licensee’s to submit their change of address to this department in writing. The address is: Department of Health, Medical Quality Assurance Division, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C01, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3251, Fax number (850) 487-9626. Include your name, license number, old and new address. Mailing and physical practice location are required.
If you are a current applicant, you must submit a change of address to the Board office by fax, email or by writing to: Board of Optometry, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C07, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3257, Fax number (850) 922-8876. Include your name, old and new address.
Q: What are the fees for licensure?
www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/optometry/op_fees.html
Q: Will I be required to complete continuing education during the initial biennium?
A: Yes. The initial biennium in which you are licensed, you will be required to complete 2 hours of Prevention of Medical Errors and 1 hour of HIV/AIDS.
Q: How can I register for the Computer-based part of the exam given by Prometrics?
A: You will not be able to register with Prometrics until you have received the Candidate Information Packet from Testing Services Unit. You may contact Testing Services at (850) 245-4252 for any information regarding the administration of the exam. The Board Office cannot given any information regarding the exam.
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