Optometry FAQs
Optometry: FAQs
Q: What are the requirements to become a licensed optometrist in the State of New Mexico?
To become a licensed optometrist in the State of New Mexico, a candidate must provide specific educational requirements; pass Parts I, II, III and the TMOD of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry’ standards examination (Click HERE for more details); and take the New Mexico State clinical/practicum exam.
Q: How often is the State’s clinical/practicum exam offered?
The New Mexico State clinical/practicum exam is offered once a year, which is usually the second week in August.
Q: What is does the New Mexico State clinical/practicum exam consist of.
- A written exam based on the Board’s statutes and rules.
- A clinical/practicum consisting of four segments – three involving clinical scenarios and the fourth on stand-alone procedures that requires a patient. (Click HERE for details)
Q: In order to sell contact (including colored) lenses in the State of New Mexico, does one have to be registered?
Yes. A person who is not a licensed optometrist or a licensed physician shall not sell or dispense a contact lens to a resident of this state unless they are registered with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy as a seller or dispenser of contact lenses. (See 16.16.19.19 NMAC of the rules)
Q: How long is a prescription for contact lenses and ophthalmic lenses good for?
Generally, a contact prescription is good for two years unless the optometrist determines a shorter prescription period is clinically indicated by the patient’s ocular health or by potential harm to the patient’s ocular health. A prescription for ophthalmic lenses is generally good for one to two years.