Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
Illinois Licensing
Optometrists practicing in the state of Illinois must hold a current license. This license to practice is granted by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the Optometric Licensing and Review Board provides the department with expert knowledge and advice on disciplinary matters and professional performance and conduct. Every optometrist will complete a form prescribed by the Board and submit a renewal fee in order to receive his/her renewal certificate. Currently, the renewal must occur by the end of March of every even-numbered year.
Every practitioner of optometry shall post and keep conspicuously displayed his/her license certificate in the office wherein he/she practices. All practice locations must be registered with IDFPR using the Ancillary Location Registration form.
Frequently Asked Questions-
General Licensing Questions:
Q: What are the CE requirements for the 2022-2024 licensing cycle?
A: 30 hours are required for renewal:
12 hours must be tested (TQ or CEE)
18 hours must be regular CE:
- Of which, no more than 4 hours can be practice management
- All 18 hours may be completed online through live, real-time presentations or by pre-recorded video provided by an Illinois approved CE sponsor.
1 hour of sexual harassment CE must be taken by all licensed optometrists at each renewal.
1 hour of implicit bias awareness training must be taken by all licensed optometrists at each renewal.
1 hour of training on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias must be taken by all licensed optometrists who provide services to adult populations age 26 and older at each renewal.
1 hour of cultural competency training must be taken by all licensed optometrists at each renewal.
1 hour of safe opioid prescribing CE must be taken by all optometrists who hold a Controlled Substance license in order to renew the license.
Sexual harassment training, implicit bias training, dementia training, cultural competency, and safe opioid prescribing may all count towards your 30 hours of required CE.
First-time renewal applicants are exempt from CE requirements at the time of their first renewal, with the exception of the required courses outlined above.
Please note, these requirements may change before the 2026 renewal. The IOA will publish any changes to CE requirements in InSight, the IOA Journal, and through email communications.
Q: How much does it cost for a new grad to get their license?
A: $500 for a first-time applicant + $5 for the controlled substance license (not required)
Q: When do licenses expire?
A: In March of the renewal year (Current renewal is April 1, 2024-March 31, 2026)
Q: Do all ODs in Illinois renew at the same time?
A: YES!
Q: How many online CE courses are ODs in Illinois allowed to have per license renewal?
A: All 18 regular hours can be online CE in a typical CE period. The courses must be taken by an Illinois licensed CE provider.
Q: Are ODs exempt from CE at the time of the first license renewal?
A: Yes, ODs are exempt from most of the 30 hours of continuing education. However, they must complete the statutorily required courses outlined above.
Q: Where do I renew my license?
A: Online, here: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/optometry.html
For more information, please contact the IOA at 217-525-8012.
