Optometry License Levels in West Virginia
- No initial after the license number means the optometrist has no prescriptive authority (for license numbers below #3100).
- D after the license number means the optometrist has DPA/TPA topical prescriptive authority.
- OD after the license number means the optometrist has DPA/TPA topical and some oral pharmaceutical prescriptive authority. See W. Va. State Rule §14-2-7 and W. Va. State Code §30-8-9 for oral formularies (posted under Optometry Laws and Rules). Hydrocodone and hydrocodone combination products are permitted for a limited three-day supply.
- IOD after the license number means that the optometrist has injection administration authority in addition to DPA/TPA topical and some oral pharmaceuticals. IV, IM, subcutaneous and subconjunctival injections are included.
- IOD1 after the license number means that the optometrist has IV and IM injection administration only in addition to DPA/TPA topical and some oral pharmaceuticals.
- As of July 9, 2025, beginning with West Virginia Optometry License #3100, there will no longer be initials listed after the West Virginia Optometry license number as all licenses granted after this date must have oral prescriptive authority and both injection and laser certifications. Each West Virginia laser certified licensee must complete a designated number of proctored procedures on a live human eye to become fully laser certified in each of the following procedures:
- Posterior Capsulotomy - five (5) proctored procedures required
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) - five (5) proctored procedures required
- Peripheral Iridotomy - four (4) proctored procedures required
All WV optometric licenses expire on June 30th of each year with annual renewal.
***Legislation passed during the 2025 West Virginia Legislative Session requires that all applicants must be injection certified and laser certified in order to start your application. Please see our Laser Certification page for more information. All applicants must contact the Board office before beginning an application.***