Optometry

Question 1

U and/or V

Answer 1

• “U” is used to designate the phase one therapeutic pharmaceutical agent privilege.
• “V” is used to designate the phase two therapeutic pharmaceutical agent privilege.

Question 2

Diagnostic topical pharmaceuticals: anesthetic agents, mydriatics, cycloplegics, miotics, disclosing agents **can be prescribed by…

Answer 2

“T” certified optometrists

Question 3

Phase one topicals:

Answer 3

antibiotics/antimicrobials, decongestants, anti-allergenics, NSAIDs, steroids, antivirals, hyperosmotic/hypertonic agents, cycloplegics, artificial tears/lubricants. **can be prescribed by “U” certified optometrists

Question 4

Phase two topicals (related to treatment of glaucoma):

Answer 4

beta blockers, alpha agonists, cholinergics, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, prostaglandin analogs. **can be prescribed by “V” certified optometrists

Question 5

How does an optometrist become certified to prescribe pharmaceutical agents?

Answer 5

He completes curriculum in general and ocular pharmacology at a college of optometry with didactic learning and supervised clinical programs that is approved by the department, and then he applies for certification.

Question 6

What additional requirements must a licensed NY optometrist fulfill to use or prescribe the therapeutic pharmaceutical agents?

Phase One Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents:

Answer 6

1) Complete at least 300 hours of clinical training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with ocular disease other than glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
2) Pass the treatment and ocular disease management portion of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry test (or another exam determined by the State Board of Optometry to be equivalent in scope and content).

Question 7

Phase Two Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents:

Answer 7

1. Hold certification for use of phase one therapeutics agents.
2. Complete an additional one hundred (100) hours of clinical training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
3. Pass an oral or written exam acceptable to the Board.

Question 8

The department will suspend an optometrist’s certification for use/prescribing of phase one agents if the optometrist fails to obtain their certification for phase two agents within…

Answer 8

3 years of obtaining certification for phase one agents.

Question 9

For optometrists certified to prescribe/ use phase one or two therapeutic drugs, how many hours of CE must be completed in ocular disease and pharmacology every 3 years?

Answer 9

36 hours

Question 10

For optometrists certified to prescribe and use therapeutic drugs, what notice must be posted in the reception area of their office.

Answer 10

• Dr. _______, O.D. is certified in NY State to use therapeutic drugs to diagnose and treat diseases of the eye. In the event your condition requires the use of steroids or antiviral medication and your condition does not improve within 5 days, a physician of your choice will be notified.
• In the event you are diagnosed with glaucoma, the optometrist will have your diagnosis confirmed and treatment co-managed with an ophthalmologist (M.D.) of your choice, or if you wish, selected by Dr. _______. (this paragraph does not have to be posted for optometrists that have a certain amount of experience including the exam and diagnosis of at least 75 patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension.