Continuing Education Requirements for Alabama Optometrists

Refer to Administrative Code 630-X-7.

Effective October 1, 1995 and thereafter, Alabama optometrists holding therapeutic licenses must obtain twenty (20) approved hours of continuing education annually. At least half of these hours must relate to diagnosis, treatment, and management of eye disease.

Alabama optometrists not holding therapeutic licensure must obtain fourteen (14) hours of approved continuing education annually.

For all Alabama licensed optometrists, up to three (3) hours may be devoted to approved practice management courses. Three (3) hours of "distance-based" (internet, CD-ROM, etc.) education may be obtained annually to meet continuing education requirements. If more than twenty (20) approved hours are earned, up to six (6) hours may be carried forward to the next year.

CE hours for re-licensure must be attended between October 1 and September 30 (Alabama's fiscal year).  CE hours obtained during the re-licensure period (October 1 through December 31) may also be counted toward re-licensure.

All licensees are required to keep a personal record of courses attended including the dates of attendance, the name of the course, the name of the sponsor, and the clock hours attended.

When renewing your license to practice optometry in Alabama, you must certify that all continuing education hours required by the board have been completed. Continuing education hours can be audited, and failure to show proof of completion of the continuing education requirement can result in severe penalties, including license suspension.