Taxonomy code 152W00000X: Optometrist

152W00000X is the NUCC Health Care Provider Taxonomy code for Optometrist, in the group Eye and Vision Services Providers. It is one of the codes a provider lists on the NPI application to tell CMS and payers what they do.

Code

152W00000X

Grouping

Eye and Vision Services Providers

Classification

Optometrist

Section

Individual

NUCC version

26.1

Definition

Doctors of optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. An optometrist has completed pre-professional undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. Some optometrists complete an optional residency in a specific area of practice. Optometrists are eye health care professionals state-licensed to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system.

NUCC notes: Source: American Optometric Association (AOA), approved by the AOA's Board of Trustees, June 21, 2005. [7/1/2006: definition modified]

Get an NPI with this taxonomy

Two free ways. SimpleNPI files the application for you, and a person confirms the taxonomy before filing; the NPI usually arrives by email and text, with all the documentation, within 10 minutes. Or apply yourself at nppes.cms.hhs.gov and type the code into the taxonomy field. First, check the free registry in case you already have an NPI.

Option 1 · Free · Easiest

SimpleNPI files it for you

One short form: name, license, contact, address, identity and an e-signed authorization. About 3 minutes, no CMS account to create.
A person checks your license and address, then files the application with CMS under your signed authorization.
Your NPI arrives by email and text, with all the documentation, usually within 10 minutes. Filed after midnight Eastern? It issues around 6 am Eastern.

Usually within 10 minutes after the form is complete.

Start the free application

Option 2 · Free

Apply yourself at NPPES

Create an Identity & Access account at nppes.cms.hhs.gov.
Choose Apply for an NPI for myself, Individual (Type 1).
Enter identity, addresses, taxonomy code and license number, then certify and submit.

Usually a few business days; often minutes when the Social Security match passes.

Go to NPPES

Related codes in Optometrist

Code	Name
`152WC0802X`	Optometrist, Corneal and Contact Management
`152WL0500X`	Optometrist, Low Vision Rehabilitation
`152WX0102X`	Optometrist, Occupational Vision
`152WP0200X`	Optometrist, Pediatrics
`152WS0006X`	Optometrist, Sports Vision
`152WV0400X`	Optometrist, Vision Therapy

Questions

Can I change my taxonomy code later?

Yes, for free, in your NPPES account. Add the new code with its license, make it primary, and remove the old one if it no longer applies. The NPI itself never changes.

Does 152W00000X have to match my license?

It should describe the profession your license covers. Payers compare the taxonomy with the license during credentialing, and a mismatch slows that down.

Written by Ammon Hardin, LMT, who grew a massage practice to ten locations, built a veteran therapy network, and credentialed a large number of providers along the way. Updated Tue Oct 27, 2026. Free to read, free to use; SimpleNPI files NPI applications for free.