Florida Legislation Could Allow Optometrists to Prescribe Oral Medication for Eye Conditions

Tags: Florida | legislation | ophthalmologists | optometrists

New legislation proposed by Florida state representatives would allow optometrists to prescribe oral versions of 13 medications used to treat eye injuries and disorders, according to a report in the Herald Tribune.

Currently, optometrists can only provide topical versions of the 13 medications, which are not as effective as the oral treatments. In emergency situations, patients must be sent to emergency departments or ophthalmologists, which may be located far away for many rural patients, according to the report.

Opponents of the legislation say that allowing optometrists to prescribe these medications is out of the scope of their practice, as optometrists are not certified under the Board of Medicine.

Read the Tribune's report about Florida optometrist legislation.