Due to frequent requests, we are outlining the basic requirements for licensure by reciprocity in Kansas.
A CELMO certificate will significantly accelerate the approval of a reciprocal license application in Kansas. See more about CELMO at www.arbo.org.
Basic requirements are: (a) Complete and swear to an application furnished by the board which will be available after March 10th of each year accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $150, and file this with the Executive Officer of the Board at least 30 days prior to the date of the examination. (b) Advise the board if he or she has ever been the subject of a disciplinary action or, within the preceding 24 months, been the subject of an investigation or proceeding that could lead to disciplinary action by any state professional licensing authority. (c) Provide sufficient proof that the applicant (1) is a graduate of an accredited school or college of optometry, (2) has never had his or her license to practice optometry revoked, (3) has never surrendered his or her license to practice optometry as a result of disciplinary action by any state professional licensing authority, (4) if graduated after January 1, 1993, has successfully completed all three parts of the national board examination within the five years preceding application. (d) Provide verification from current State Board that the license is in good standing. All licenses after 1987 shall be both diagnostic and therapeutic licenses.
Please note that you must have practiced for three consecutive years in
your state to be eligible for reciprocity. If in practice less than
three years, you will be required to take the annual Kansas state examination.
When returning your application, please send a copy of your state law that was
in effect at the time you were licensed.
The following must accompany your application: (1) a copy of
your birth certificate, (2) transcripts from all high schools, colleges and
optometry schools attended, (3)
three character references, (4) a copy of your optometry school diploma, (5)
Sworn Reciprocity Statement by the Optometry Licensing Authority in your
state of practice location, (6) a certified copy of your current
registration certificate or license, (7) National Board scores, (8) proof of 48 hours of continuing education in the
2 years prior to application, and (9) a check
for $150.00 to the Kansas State Board of Examiners in Optometry.
If reciprocity requirements are met, applicants for reciprocal licensure are required to take the Kansas optometry law examination. Additional written examinations may be required at the discretion of the Board.
A copy of the KS Optometry Laws and Rules and Regulations is available at this web site. If you want this information sent to you as hard copy, it can be obtained for $10.00 per copy, with a check to the KS Board of Examiners in Optometry.
The Kansas examination is scheduled in July each year. It will be in Topeka and Lawrence. Candidates should request applications individually from the Board, and further questions should be directed to the Executive Officer of the Board.
Application for Reciprocity (MSWord document)