Continuing Education

Licensed Optometrists (Non-TPA):

The law requires non-TPA licensed optometrists to complete 40 hours of board approved CE every two-year renewal period to renew their license as "Active" status.

TPA-Certified Licensed Optometrists:

All optometrists are required to take CE and demonstrate that they met CE requirements upon renewal of their optometric license. However, TPA certified optometrists must obtain 50 hours of CE, 35 of which must be in the diagnosis, treatment and management of ocular disease as follows:

In any combination of the following areas:

glaucoma, ocular infection,
ocular inflammation,
topical steroids,
systemic medication, or
pain medication.

TPG/TLG – Certified Licensed Optometrists:

The law requires licensed optometrists who are TPG or TLG certified to follow the same continuing education requirements as a TPA certified optometrists, with one additional requirement. Licensed optometrists that are glaucoma certified are required to complete 10 hours of glaucoma specific continuing education every license renewal period. These 10 hours shall be part of the 35 hours on the diagnosis and treatment and management of ocular disease.

Self Study/Correspondence Courses:

The California State Board of Optometry will accept a maximum of 20 hours of CE earned through the completion of acceptable documented and accredited self study courses. Credit for self study courses (i.e., review of written, audio, video material, or a combination) is given at the ratio of one hour of credit for one hour of self study earned.

Approved Providers:

CE courses which are approved as meeting the required standards of the board include those sponsored or recognized by any accredited US school or college of optometry, any national or state affiliate of the American Optometric Association, the American Academy of Optometry, or the Optometric Extension Program. Also acceptable are courses approved by the International Association of Boards of Examiners in Optometry known as COPE (Council on Optometric Practitioner Education).

Request for Approval of Continuing Education Course(s) and Instructions