License Levels and Expiration Date

  • https://www.wvbo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WVBO_InjectionCertifcationApplication_CurrentWVLicensees_Updated_2024-10.pdfNo initial after the license number means the optometrist has no prescriptive authority.
  • D after the license number means the optometrist has DPA/TPA topical prescriptive authority.
  • OD after the license number means the optometrist will have DPA/TPA topical and some oral pharmaceutical prescriptive authority. See 14-2-7 and 30-8-9 for oral formularies (posted under Laws and Rules Governing Optometry). 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.
 
  • All WV optometric licenses expire on June 30th of each year with annual renewal.
 

INJECTION CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS IN WV:

For current WV Optometry Licensees who wish to upgrade their License that ends with no initial, -D, or -OD to an -IOD level that has injection administration authority, including IV, IM, subcutaneous and subconjunctival injections, in addition to DPA/TPA topical and some oral pharmaceuticals, please refer to the following requirements per W. Va. State Rule §14-11-3 et al:

 

Passage of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry Injection Skills Examination (ISE)

OR
Submit proof of attendance and satisfactory completion of a required course in injection administration from a school or college of optometry accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education or courses that are Board approved from other organizations if the course includes the following criteria (see W. Va. State Rule §14-11-5):

–Each course includes indications, contra-indications, medications, techniques, risks, benefits and sharps management;

–Each course contains appropriate follow-up and management of any adverse reactions caused by an injection;

–Each course shall teach the procedures of injection on human subjects in a closely supervised environment with a proficiency assessment examination.

All applicants must also submit proof of current certification in Basic Life Support from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.

Once the requirements have been met, current West Virginia Optometry Licensees must complete the Application for Injectable Pharmaceutical Agents Certification and submit payment of $200.00 for the “Pharmaceuticals by Injection Certificate Fee”

For NEW Applicants or License by Reciprocity Applicants who wish to apply for an Optometry License in West Virginia, you must provide the WVBO with proof of Injection Certification before you can complete an application for consideration.


Please refer to the criteria outlined above for the acceptable pathways to Injection Certification. If you have any questions regarding the process or acceptable courses, please contact the West Virginia Board of Optometry by email at info@wvbo.org.