Updated October 14, 2026. The Optometrist Licensure Examination (OLE) is the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) board exam that Doctor of Optometry graduates must pass to practice as optometrists in the Philippines. It has two phases: a computer-based written (theoretical) exam and a practical performance test. This guide covers the latest schedule, qualifications, documentary requirements, the LERIS application steps, exam coverage, the passing rule, and what happens after results.
OLE schedule: latest and upcoming exams
Under PRC Commission Resolution No. 2113 (s. 2025), the 2026 schedule of licensure examinations set the following dates for the OLE:
| Item | 2026 OLE |
|---|---|
| Written phase (computer-based) | September 28, 29 and 30, 2026 (Mon–Wed) |
| Practical phase | October 5 to 9, and 12, 2026 (Mon–Fri, and Mon) |
| Opening of applications | June 30, 2026 |
| Filing deadline | August 31, 2026 |
| Target release of results | October 15, 2026 |
Next OLE (2027): to be announced. As of October 14, 2026, PRC has not yet published its 2027 examination schedule. The OLE is usually held once a year; under the Optometry Law (R.A. No. 8050, Sec. 17), the Board must give the exam at least once every year. Exam months can change from year to year, so wait for PRC’s official 2027 resolution before you plan around any date.
Testing centers
Resolution No. 2113 first set the written phase in NCR and Davao. PRC then issued Resolution No. 2176 (s. 2026), which added Cebu City as a testing center. That made the 2026 written-phase centers NCR, Cebu and Davao. For the practical phase, follow the venue and schedule on your Notice of Admission and in PRC’s room-assignment announcements.
Filing period and deadline rules
For 2026, applications ran from June 30 to August 31, 2026. PRC’s schedule resolution says the filing deadlines are final and will be strictly enforced. When a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next working day. Applicants who need a special exception should file at least five days before the deadline, per PRC. Do not wait until the last week, because appointment slots at PRC offices fill up quickly.
Who can take the OLE (qualifications)
Under Section 19 of R.A. No. 8050 and its implementing rules, an applicant must:
- be a citizen of the Philippines;
- be of good moral character; and
- hold a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from a government-accredited school, after finishing at least a six-year optometry course.
Graduates of foreign schools also need a Certificate of Equivalency from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). It must state that their course is equivalent to the Philippine Doctor of Optometry program (PRC List of Requirements – Optometry).
Documentary requirements
First-time takers
- Original and photocopy of your Certificate of Live Birth (subject to R.A. No. 11909)
- Original and photocopy of your Marriage Certificate (for married women, unless you prefer to use your maiden name)
- Original Transcript of Records with a scanned picture and the remark “For Board Examination Purposes”
- Original Certificate of Internship Completion showing a total of 1,026 internship hours. It must be prepared and signed by the Internship Coordinator, attested by the Dean or Program Chair and the University Registrar, and carry the school seal.
Repeaters
- Original Certificate of Completion of a Refresher Course from an accredited institution. This is required only after three failures. Under Sec. 22 of R.A. 8050, an applicant who fails three times cannot take the next exam without proof of a refresher course.
Source: PRC List of Requirements – Optometry. When you file, PRC may ask you to show a valid government ID and to present your documents in person. Check the current checklist on LERIS before your appointment.
Fees
The OLE application fee is ₱900 according to the Board Passers Portal application guide. The same guide lists small extra charges for the documentary stamp and mailing envelope at the PRC office. The final amount is the one shown in your LERIS payment screen, per PRC.
How to apply through PRC LERIS (step by step)
- Go to PRC LERIS (online.prc.gov.ph) and create an account, or log in if you already have one. Make sure your profile details match your birth certificate exactly.
- Upload a recent ID photo that meets PRC’s photo guidelines.
- Choose Examination, then select the Optometrist Licensure Examination, the exam date and your preferred testing center.
- Pick an appointment date and time at a PRC office or service center.
- Pay the application fee through one of the payment channels listed in LERIS.
- Print your application form and go to your appointment with the original and photocopied documents.
- After your documents are checked, you will receive your Notice of Admission (NOA). Bring it on exam day.
- Check the PRC website a few days before the exam for room assignments and exam-day reminders.
Exam subjects and weights
The September 2026 OLE program of examination lists the written-phase subjects and their weights:
| Day | Subject | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ocular Pharmacology | 10% |
| Day 1 | Ocular (Visual) Biology | 10% |
| Day 1 | Clinical Optometry and Sub-Specialty Areas | 15% |
| Day 2 | Physiological Optics, Binocular Vision and Perception | 15% |
| Day 2 | Primary Care and Refraction | 15% |
| Day 3 | Ocular Diseases and Ocular Emergencies | 10% |
| Day 3 | Ethics, Jurisprudence, Practice Management, Public Health | 10% |
| Day 3 | Theoretical, Practical Optics and Ophthalmic Dispensing | 15% |
The practical performance test follows on the dates set in the program. Your exact practical slot appears on your Notice of Admission or in PRC’s announcements.
Passing rule
Under Section 20 of R.A. No. 8050, you pass if you get a general average of at least 75% in all subjects, with no rating below 50% in any subject. The implementing rules (Sec. 26) compute that general weighted average as 70% theoretical plus 30% practical. The same rules say an examinee who gets a 75% or higher average but rates below 50% in one or more subjects is “conditioned” and retakes only those subjects.
Results release
PRC’s target release date for the 2026 OLE results is October 15, 2026, three working days after the last practical day. PRC can release results earlier or later than its target. The list of passers, the topnotchers and school performance are posted on our Optometrist Board Exam Results page as soon as PRC releases them.
Registration and oathtaking
Successful examinees take the oath as optometrists and pay the registration fees. They are then entered in the Roster of Optometrists and receive a Certificate of Registration and a Professional Identification Card, which is renewed every three years (Board of Optometry Res. No. 03, s. 1997). Passers usually start initial registration online through LERIS. PRC announces the registration and oathtaking dates after the results come out.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next Optometrist board exam? The most recent OLE ran on September 28–30, 2026 (written) and October 5–9 and 12, 2026 (practical). The 2027 dates are to be announced once PRC releases its 2027 schedule.
Is the OLE computer-based? Yes. The written phase is a computer-based licensure examination (CBLE), per PRC Resolution No. 2176.
How many internship hours do I need? Your Certificate of Internship Completion must show 1,026 hours, per PRC’s list of requirements.
Do repeaters need a refresher course? Only after three failures (R.A. 8050, Sec. 22).
Can PRC change the schedule? Yes. PRC amends exam schedules and testing centers by resolution, so always check prc.gov.ph before you travel.
Sources: PRC Resolution No. 2113 (s. 2025) and the 2026 schedule page; PRC Resolution No. 2176 (s. 2026); PRC program of the September 2026 OLE; PRC List of Requirements – Optometry; R.A. No. 8050 and its implementing rules; Board of Optometry Res. No. 03, s. 1997; Board Passers Portal (fees). Last checked against these sources on October 14, 2026.
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