OLR Bill Analysis

sSB 781

AN ACT CONCERNING THERAPEUTIC CONTACT LENSES.

SUMMARY:

This bill allows both licensed (1) optometrists authorized to practice advanced optometric care and (2) physicians and surgeons trained and specializing in eye diseases to acquire, prescribe, dispense, and charge for contact lenses containing ocular agents-T.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2009

BACKGROUND

Advanced Optometric Care

The law recognizes a category of optometric practice known as “advanced optometric care. ” It allows optometrists a broader range of activities, including nonsurgical treatment of glaucoma patients. They must meet additional educational and testing requirements and be able to use certain drugs for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in order to practice advanced optometric care. There is no separate Department of Public Health license for advanced optometric care.

As of January 1, 2005, the law requires an individual applying for initial licensure as an optometrist to meet the requirements to practice advanced optometric care.

Ocular Agents-T

“Ocular agents-T” are (1) topically administered ophthalmic agents and orally administered antibiotics, antihistamines, and antiviral agents used for treating or alleviating the effects of eye disease or abnormal conditions of the eye or eyelid, excluding the lacrimal drainage system and glands (tears) and structures behind the iris, but including the treatment of iritis, and (2) orally administered analgesic agents for alleviating pain caused by these diseases or conditions.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Public Health Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute