National Board of Examiners in Optometry Opens New Optometry Testing Center

National Board of Examiners in Optometry Opens New Optometry Testing Center

The National Center of Clinical Testing in Optometry welcomes optometry candidates from across North America as they take licensure exams

The National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO), responsible for developing and administering nationwide optometry licensure exams, opened their new National Center of Clinical Testing in Optometry with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, September 5, 2025.

Every optometry candidate in the United States must pass NBEO's exams to receive licensure to enter into clinical practice. The new National Center of Clinical Testing in Optometry will host candidates for several licensure exams, including NBEO's Part III Patient Encounters and Performance Skills (PEPS®) exam, in which candidates demonstrate their case analysis and critical thinking ability in a simulated live patient encounter. Other clinical exams administered at the NCCTO include the Injections Skill Examination (ISE®) and the Laser and Surgical Procedures Examination (LSPE®).

The new center includes:

• Double the previous testing capacity to accommodate the increasing number of optometry candidates.
• Upgraded IT infrastructure to enhance the candidate experience.
• Ample space for both candidates and standardized patients, NBEO's employees who simulate real world patient conditions that an optometrist may treat in practice.
• Proximity to Charlotte Douglas International Airport for convenient travel from the nation's 25 optometry schools and colleges.

“This upgraded facility is an example of NBEO's commitment to public protection through optometric competency assessment,” said Dr. Jill Bryant, executive director of NBEO. “We are thrilled to unveil this facility and welcome optometry candidates nationwide as they embark on their path to licensure.”

The grand opening included speeches from NBEO leadership Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry leadership and tours of the new testing center. North Carolina Representatives Brandon Lofton and Terry Brown and Charlotte City Councilmember Lawana Mayfield were in attendance.

“NBEO remains committed to providing high-quality, standardized testing environments for optometry candidates,” said Dr. Michael Ohlson, president of NBEO's board of directors. “This new testing center does just that, along with simulating real-life patient encounters during the Part III exam. We're beyond excited to host future optometrists.”

NBEO's three-part licensure exam series confirms that candidates possess the required knowledge and skill for licensure and can competently and safely treat patients across North America.

NBEO's National Center of Clinical Testing in Optometry will host thousands of optometry candidates from optometry schools across the continent at the Charlotte facility each year as they embark on their journey to licensure, positioning Charlotte as a leader in the optometry profession.