Optometry Licensure Based on an Out-of-State License

 
Before applying for licensure, please familiarize yourself with the general licensing policies.
 

The Department of Public Health may issue a license by endorsement of an out-of-state license provided the applicant holds a current, valid license in good standing in another state or territory of the United States and the state or territory of current licensure maintains licensing standards equal to or higher than Connecticut's requirements. 

 

An applicant seeking licensure by endorsement must ensure that the current licensure standards of the state or territory in which currently licensed are forwarded directly to this office.

 

It is important to note that when reviewing the statutes and regulations of another state to those of this state, the Department compares them to the current licensing requirements for Connecticut  licensure rather than the requirements met at the time of issuance of the out-of-state license.

 

Documentation Requirements

 

The following documents shall be forwarded directly to this office from the source:

 

Verification of all licenses held, current or expired, from each state or territory in which the applicant is or has ever been licensed.  Please contact the jurisdiction prior to submitting the form as some require a fee for this service;

 

A completed application with photograph attached.  Applications are only accepted online.  Please select this link to apply online.  The application fee is $565.

 

Upon receipt of all required documentation, the application will be reviewed at the administrative level, an eligibility determination will be made and the applicant will be notified in writing as to his or her eligibility for licensure by endorsement.  Please allow four to six weeks for this review.  

 

Applicants who wish to expedite the licensing process may choose to meet the requirements for obtaining licensure for the first time.

 

If it is determined that the other state's licensing requirements are not equal to those of this state and the applicant wants to pursue licensure/certification, he or she would be required to meet the current Connecticut licensing requirements.

 

Please arrange for all supporting documentation to be sent directly from the source to:

 

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Optometrist Licensure

410 Capitol Ave., MS# 12 APP

P.O. Box 340308

Hartford, CT 06134

Phone:  (860) 509-7603

Fax:  (860) 707-1931

Email:  dph.healingarts@ct.gov