Washington currently has around 1,060 licensed optometrists with an employment rate of 0.331 per thousand jobs. The average hourly mean wage for optometrists in Washington is $63.34, while the annual mean salary is $131,740.
The Washington Board of Optometry is the governing board that regulates optometrists and relevant institutions in Washington. The Washington Board of Optometry was established to ensure that every person engaged in optometry in this state meets minimum requirements for safe practice.
The legislative intent is that such persons who fall below minimum standards or who otherwise present a danger to the public shall be prohibited from practicing in Washington.
If you are researching Washington optometrists, this article will help you understand how the Washington license process works, license renewal, minimum requirements, and more. We will also provide helpful links so you can find out more information about the Washington Board of Optometry.
What’s on this page:
Washington Optometry Board License Lookup
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How to get a Washington Board of Optometry License?
If you are eligible, then you can submit your application for the Washington Board of optometry. You can apply online from here:
https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/Optometrist/LicenseRequirements
You will get notified about your application status from the board office within 7-14 days. You can check the status of your application online from their official website as well.
Washington Board of Optometry Licensing Requirements
Here are the initial licensing requirements for Certified Optometrists:
– 18+ age.
– Graduated from a school or college of optometry approved by the Washington Optometry board.
– At least 110 hours of transcript quality course work and clinical training in general and ocular pharmacology at an institution that has facilities for both didactic and clinical instruction.
– At least one year of supervised experience in the differential diagnosis of eye disease or disorders as part of the optometric training.
– Have successfully passed all parts of the Washington Licensure Examination
Washington Board of Optometry Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
To retain their right to practice, licensees, registrants, and permit holders with the Washington Board of Optometry must renew their licenses on a biennial basis.
Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on February 28, 2023.
Active and retired licensees must pay additional fees and fulfil special continuing education obligations if they want their license to be reactivated.
You can check more information about the renewal form here:
Washington Renewal Information
The process of renewing a license may take up to 5 days.
Washington Licensure Examination
To be eligible for initial licensure, applicants must have passed all parts of the Washington Licensure Examination within the three years immediately preceding submission of an application or within the three years following submission.
Applicants who have been licensed in another state must submit license verification from each state they currently hold or have ever held a license.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who Regulates Optometrists in Washington?
“The Washington Board of Optometry” regulates the optometrists in Washington to ensure that every person engaged in the practice of optometry in this state meets minimum requirements for safe methods.
How Much Does it Cost to Renew a Washington Optometry License?
It will cost around $350 to $650 based on the renewal time, expiry date, license status, and other factors. Fees may change from time to time.
What is the Washington Board of Optometry Address and Contact Information
The official Washington Board of Optometry address and contact information is listed below:
Board of Optometry Name:
Washington State Board of Optometry
Physical Address:
Town Center 2
111 Israel Road SE
Olympia, Washington 98504
Mailing Address:
Town Center 2
111 Israel Road SE
Olympia, Washington 98504
Telephone and Email Contact Information:
Phone Number:
360.236.4947
Fax Number:
Not listed
Email:
loralei.walker@doh.wa.gov
Website:
https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/Optometrist
Conclusion and Summary
We hope that the above information will help you learn more about the Washington Board of Optometry, their process, renewal process, address, contact information, and more.
If you want to know more about Washington eye doctors, please leave us a comment below. You can also check out the official website for the Washington Board of Optometry.
Cover Image Credit: Washington Board of Optometry website.
