Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NY Board of Healthcare
Ophthalmologist Licensing in New York
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for ophthalmologist in New York, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Ophthalmologist in New York
Estimated timeline: 3 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Must present evidence of: completion of pre-professional education consisting of 60 semester hours of college study from a New York State registered program or the equivalent as determined by the New York State Education Department
- and completion of a medical program that is either: registered by the New York State Education Department as licensure-qualifying or accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and have received the degree of Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or the equivalent
- or complete a non-accredited medical program which consists of not less than 32 months (4 academic years) recognized as an acceptable educational program for physicians by the appropriate civil authorities of the country in which the school is located and receipt of the degree of Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or the equivalent as determined by the Department.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NYS Education Department • State Board for Medicine
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$348,610 median salary
- State Salary Rank
#3 of 34 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet New York eligibility requirements for Ophthalmologist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to NYS Education Department~State Board for Medicine and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New York
The median salary for Ophthalmologists in New York is $348,610. New York ranks #3 among 34 states. The typical licensing timeline is 3 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,739Median annual salary
$348,610Hourly estimate
$167.60National comparison unavailable
National benchmark data is missing for this profile.
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOphthalmologist Salary Ranking
#3 of 34 statesfor Ophthalmologist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ohio | $367,750 |
| #2 | New Hampshire | $358,490 |
| #3 | New York | $348,610 |
| #4 | California | $340,300 |
| #5 | Maine | $329,590 |
Nearby States Comparison
Ophthalmologist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $348,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 3 years |
| Vermont | $205,130 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $313,870 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 2 years |
| Connecticut | $218,770 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $303,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $208,060 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 12 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| New Jersey | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NYS Education Department • State Board for Medicine
89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12234
Phone: 5184743817ext560
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Ophthalmologist in New York?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 3 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Ophthalmologists in New York?
New York lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Ophthalmologists.
What education do you need to become a Ophthalmologist in New York?
The board typically expects Degree required for Ophthalmologist licensure in New York.
What is the typical Ophthalmologist salary in New York?
The median annual salary for Ophthalmologists in New York is $348,610.
How many Ophthalmologists work in New York?
New York employs approximately 1,020 Ophthalmologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Ophthalmologist license to New York from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Ophthalmologists in New York?
The licensing agency is NYS Education Department / State Board for Medicine. Review agency details at http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/.
How often do you renew a Ophthalmologist license in New York?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.