Purpose of the Bill

The proposed bill aims to amend the definition and scope of practice for optometrists in Minnesota. It seeks to clarify what activities are included under the practice of optometry and to delineate the limitations applied to these healthcare professionals.

Main Provisions

• The bill expands the definition of practicing optometry to include the use of autorefractors and other automated testing devices for assessing vision.
• It specifies that optometrists can diagnose diseases, optical deficiencies, visual anomalies, and other conditions related to the human eye.
• Optometrists are authorized to prescribe lenses, including cosmetic contact lenses, prisms, ocular exercises, and other therapeutic vision care.
• The bill grants optometrists the ability to prescribe or administer certain legend drugs to help in diagnosing or managing eye conditions.

Significant Changes

• Prescription Authority: The bill extends the authority of optometrists to prescribe and administer drugs, with some restrictions:
  • Optometrists cannot administer drugs intravenously, intramuscularly, or by injection, except for treating anaphylaxis.
  • The use of invasive surgery, including laser surgery, remains prohibited.
  • Restrictions are placed on prescribing certain oral drugs, such as Schedule II and III oral drugs or oral steroids.

Relevant Terms

optometry, autorefractors, automated testing, lenses, prisms, ocular exercises, therapeutic vision care, legend drugs, anaphylaxis, invasive surgery, Schedule II drugs, Schedule III drugs, oral steroids, oral antivirals, oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors