Servicemembers and military spouses have two pathways to becoming a licensed optometrist in the state of North Carolina:
Permanent licensure for servicemembers, military spouses, and veterans ( G.S. 93B-15.1 ); or
Temporary licensure for servicemembers and military spouses relocating due to military orders ( 50 U.S.C. 4025a )
Applicants who receive temporary licenses pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 4025a are eligible to practice in North Carolina only as long as they are residing in the state because of military orders. Applicants who receive a permanent license pursuant to G.S. 93B-15.1 remain eligible to practice and eligible to renew that license even if they are no longer in North Carolina pursuant to military orders.
1. Permanent Licensure for Servicemembers, Military Spouses, and Veterans (G.S. 93B-15.1)
Eligibility:
Active Duty Personnel
Active Duty Spouse
Veterans
Send DD214 Prior to application submission
Application Process: Requires specific documentation, including:
Proof of military status
Marriage License (for spouses only)
Educational credentials
NBEO examination scores, including ISE passing score (except as noted below)
Verification of other state licenses
Three letters of recommendation
Fees: None
Two ways to become licensed under this statute:
G.S. 93B-15.1(a): Determination of whether the military applicant has completed testing or equivalent training and experience and has practiced at a level that is substantially equivalent to or exceeds requirements for licensure in North Carolina. If yes, the license will be issued. (ISE score not required)
If the determination under paragraph 1 is negative, the applicant must successfully undergo a Clinical Competency Interview (~1 hour). G.S. 93B-15.1(a2)(2).
Scope of Practice: Licensure to North Carolina scope of practice
Renewal: Follows the standard annual renewal cycle of the Board
Continuity: Remains licensed at the end of the military orders
2. Temporary Licensure for Servicemembers and Military Spouses Relocating Due to Military Orders (50 U.S.C. 4025a)
Eligibility: Active duty servicemembers or spouses of active duty servicemembers who relocate to North Carolina because of military orders and who are licensed as an O.D. in another jurisdiction. The O.D. must be: (1) in good standing with the licensing authority that issued their “covered license” and every other licensing authority that has issued to the servicemember or spouse of a servicemember an optometry license valid at a similar scope of practice; and (2) must have actively used the covered license at some point during the two years immediately preceding the O.D.’s relocation to North Carolina.
Application Process: Requires:
Copy of military orders
Marriage License (for spouses only)
Evidence of good standing with the licensing authority that issued the covered license and the licensing authorities that issued all other optometry licenses issued to the applicant valid at a similar scope of practice
Fees: None
Exam Type: None
License Type: The license issued is valid at a similar scope of practice to the scope of practice in the jurisdiction issuing the covered license, and is valid for the duration of the military orders. By obtaining a license under 50 U.S.C. 4025a the servicemember or spouse of a servicemember submits to the authority of the Board for purposes of standards of practice, discipline, and fulfillment of continuing education requirements.
Renewal: Follows the standard annual renewal cycle of the NCSBEO with verification of active orders as a prerequisite to renewal.
Continuity: Automatically expires at the end of the servicemember's orders
Key Considerations for Decision Making:
Scope of Practice: The traditional route (G.S. 93B-15.1) offers a full scope of practice as per North Carolina standards, whereas under 50 U.S.C. a 4025a, the license issued is valid at a similar scope of practice to the scope of practice in the jurisdiction issuing the covered license, and is valid only for the duration of the military orders.
Urgency and Flexibility: The 50 U.S.C. 4025a pathway might be quicker and more flexible for those recently relocated and needing to practice immediately.
Long-Term Career Plans: Consideration of where the servicemember or spouse intends to settle long-term may influence the choice; a license issued under G.S. 93B-15.1 could be more beneficial if North Carolina is the intended long-term home.
Application Process
To apply, request a military application via email to Samantha at Samantha@ncoptometry.org.
Direct any questions to Samantha at Samantha@ncoptometry.org