In Illinois, optometrists must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Licensing requirements include:

  • graduation from an approved program of optometry; and,
  • passage of the exam administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO).

The license must be renewed every two years and requires the completion of 30 hours of related continuing education and the payment of a renewal fee.

Additional licensing information can be obtained from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation:

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786
Phone: 217.785.0800, Fax: 217.782.7645