Iowa Optometry (OD) CE requirements

Optometrist — license renewal requirements, sourced from the official board.

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50CE hours every 2 yearsVerify with board

Renewal: Biennial CE compliance period runs July 1 through June 30 of each even-numbered year; licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years (645 IAC 181.2(1)).

Required categories

Child/dependent-adult abuse identification and reporting (initial 2 hrs, then 1-hr recert every 3 yrs)
1h
Current in-person CPR certification (AHA/Red Cross) — min 2 hrs, credit granted up to 4
2h
Distance learning cap per biennium
5h
Interactive online CE cap per biennium
15h
Opioid prescribing guidelines CE (min 1 hr, credit up to 2)
1h

Details

Reporting
Licensee retains proof of attendance for Board audit; random audits conducted

Confirmed per 645 IAC ch. 181 (adopted 2024, ARC 7473C): 50 hrs approved CE per biennium; no carryover; first-time licensees exempt at first renewal. Required each biennium: current in-person CPR (at least 2 hrs, credit for up to 4), child/dependent adult abuse identification & reporting training (Iowa HHS course; initial 2-hr, 1-hr recert every 3 yrs), and at least 1 hr opioid prescribing guidelines (up to 2 hrs credit; licensee must read CDC guideline if course omitted it). Caps: 5 hrs distance learning, 15 hrs interactive online CE, 20 hrs postgraduate study. Current CELMO certification satisfies CE for licensees.

Official source: Iowa Board of Optometry — 645 IAC ch. 181 (Continuing Education for Optometrists), ARC 7473C

⚠️Board rules change. Verify every figure against the official source before relying on it.

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