Job Description
Optometrists examine eyes and prescribe the necessary treatment or corrective lenses to protect and improve vision. They specialize in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions or impairments of the vision system. In Wyoming, this includes administering and prescribing pharmaceutical agents which are applied for examination and treatment of ocular diseases.

Requirements
1.  Every applicant for licensure must be a graduate of a regularly established school or college of optometry requiring not less than four (4) years of instruction in the study of optometry consisting of not less than one thousand (1,000) hours of classroom work each year.
2.  Pass the National Board Licensing Examination in Parts I, II, III, and the treatment and management of ocular disease.
3.  Pass the State Board Licensing Examination.

Restrictions
Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
Addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Deceit, fraud, or misrepresentation in practice or application.
Incompetent or negligent professional conduct.

School Located in Wyoming
There are no Optometry schools located in Wyoming; however, Wyoming residents are eligible to study out of state at in-state rates through the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) program. For more information about WICHE contact:
        Nancy Smueles, WICHE Certifying Officer
        University of Wyoming Box 3432
        Laramie, Wyoming  82071
        Phone: (307) 766-6556

License
Optometrists must be licensed by the State Board of Optometry to practice.

Examination
The State Board examination is given once a year in October at a time and place to be decided each year.
 

Fees
Application	$250.00
Exam	$200.00
License by Endorsement	$800.00
Annual Renewal	$175.00

Licensing Agency
Nanette M. Brown
Board of Examiners in Optometry
1800 Carey Avenue, 4th Floor
Cheyenne, Wyoming  82002
Phone: (307) 777-3507

Licensing Authority
W.S. 33-23-101 through 33-23-116.

Additional Sources of Information
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 514
Rockville, Maryland  20852

American Academy of Optometry
5530 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 917
Washington, DC  20815

National Association of Optometrists and Opticians
18903 South Miles Road
Cleveland, Ohio  44128

American Optometric Association
Education and Manpower Division
243 North Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri  63141

Occupational Outlook Handbook:
"Optometrists"

Wages Last Updated June 2008




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