HB 64 - This act provides that an optometrist who is certified by the State Board of Optometrists (Board) in the administration of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents is not limited to the administration of topically applied pharmaceutical agents, but may prescribe agents, excluding injectable agents, related to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions or diseases of the eye or adnexa.

Under this act an optometrist could also perform procedures or order laboratory and imaging tests related to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the eye or adnexa.

Within one year of the effective date, certified optometrists shall be required to complete a Board-approved course which shall include at least twenty-four hours of training in glaucoma treatment, except that any optometrist who had previously passed the examination by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry in 1990 or any subsequent year, that optometrist shall be exempt from completing the course. Until December 31, 1999, each certified optometrist shall complete a six-hour continuing education course in glaucoma treatment as a condition for annual renewal of the certificate of registration. The six hours may be credited against the initial twenty-four hours required by this act, and against the eight-hour educational optometric program required by Section 336.080.

Certified optometrists may not perform laser treatment or other surgery.

This act is similar to SB 793 of 1994 and identical to SB 175 of 1995.
MARGARET TOALSON