Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Illinois Optometrists – 2026 License Renewal Guide
Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Illinois Optometrists: Beginning with 2026 renewals, Illinois optometrists must complete 1 hour of Cultural Competency continuing education (CE). This new mandate is part of the state’s broader effort to improve health equity and ensure inclusive, respectful care for all patients.
If you are a licensed clinical optometrist in Illinois, here’s what you need to know to stay compliant — and how you can complete this CE online, quickly and easily.
Illinois Requirement – Cultural Competency CE for Clinical Optometrists
Under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.5250, all Illinois licensed healthcare professionals who are subject to continuing education — including clinical optometrists — must complete at least one hour of Cultural Competency CE during each renewal cycle.
This requirement is mandatory for license renewals due in 2026 and applies to all future renewal cycles. Clinical optometrists must document this course as part of their required CE portfolio to maintain licensure in good standing.
Complete Your CE Requirement Online
Renew Now CE offers a 1-hour Cultural Competency course that is fully compliant with Illinois CE requirements and can be completed anytime, from any device.
- 100% online and mobile-friendly
- Self-paced with instant certificate upon completion
- Meets the Cultural Competency CE requirement for 2026 renewals
Why Cultural Competency Matters in Optometry Practice
Cultural Competency CE equips clinical optometrists with skills to:
- Understand how cultural backgrounds influence vision health beliefs and behaviors
- Improve patient communication and compliance with treatment plans
- Deliver inclusive, respectful care to diverse patient populations
- Build trust and reduce health disparities in vision care
In addition to meeting a state requirement, this training enhances the quality of patient care across all optometry settings.
Accreditation
Renew Now CE is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education. This course meets ANCC standards and is widely accepted by state licensing boards, including the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for clinical optometrists. Clinicians are responsible for confirming acceptance with the IDFPR or their employer if needed.