Application Fee
$200.00Verified by KY Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Kentucky, including $200.00 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal ed annuallyLicensing Blueprint for Optometrist in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION Performs examination of the human eye by acceptable means including the prescribing of lenses, prisms or vision training to correct visual defects.
- 6
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Minimum of three (3) years of college, with four (4) years of optometry school with a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours (transcript credit) in general and ocular pharmacology.
- 7
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Parts I, II & III of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry as well as TMOD.
- 8
Kentucky will give only a State Law Exam and an Oral Orientation.
- 9
For application and dates, contact the regulatory agency.
- 10
GENERAL INFORMATION for LICENSURE or CERTIFICATION Initial and annual renewal licensure fees are $200.00 for Kentucky residents and $400.00 for non-residents.
Exam and processing details
- National Board of Examiners in Optometry as well as TMOD
Continuing education and program notes
- Certified Optometrists may write prescriptions for oral and topical drugs
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| ORMATION for LICENSURE or CERTIFICATION Initial and annual renewal licensure fees | $200.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Optometric Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
$200.00
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal ed annually
- Salary Position
$132,000 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#24 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Optometrist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Board of Examiners in Optometry as well as TMOD.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Minimum of three (3) years of college, with four (4) years of optometry school with a minimum of twelve (12) sem...).
- 6. Budget filing costs (ORMATION for LICENSURE or CERTIFICATION Initial and annual renewal licensure fees: $200.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Commonwealth of Kentucky~Board of Optometric Examiners and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal ed annually; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of $132,000, Optometrists in Kentucky earn 2% below the national median of $134,830. Kentucky ranks #24 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,180Median annual salary
$132,000Hourly estimate
$63.462% below national median
Difference: -$2,830
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#24 of 50 statesfor Optometrist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $165,830 |
| #2 | New York | $163,040 |
| #3 | Maryland | $157,830 |
| #4 | Washington | $157,650 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $156,000 |
Nearby States Comparison
Optometrist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $132,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $127,080 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $130,000 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $130,190 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $134,830 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $110,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Missouri | $113,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $136,200 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Optometric Examiners
2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite A240, Lexington, KY, 40504
Phone: 8592462744
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Kentucky?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Optometrists in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in Kentucky?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optometrist licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Kentucky is $132,000.
How does the Optometrist salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Kentucky earn 2% below the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $132,000.
How many Optometrists work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 500 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Kentucky from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Optometrists in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Commonwealth of Kentucky / Board of Optometric Examiners. Review agency details at https://optometry.ky.gov/.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Kentucky?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal ed annually.