OLR Bill Analysis

sSB 781 (File 138, as amended by Senate “A”)*

AN ACT CONCERNING THERAPEUTIC CONTACT LENSES.

SUMMARY:

This bill allows licensed (1) optometrists authorized to practice advanced optometric care to acquire, prescribe, dispense, and charge for contact lenses containing ocular agents-T and (2) prescribing physicians and surgeons to dispense and sell contact lenses that contain a drug. (It appears that “drug,” in this context, is not limited to ocular-agents-T. ) “Physician” does not include a homeopathic physician under the bill.

The bill specifies that optometrists, and physicians and surgeons dispensing or selling contact lenses containing ocular agents-T or drugs do not have to meet current law's requirements on packaging and labeling of drug containers.

*Senate Amendment “A” (1) specifies that licensed prescribing physicians and surgeons can dispense and sell contact lenses containing a drug, instead of allowing physicians and surgeons trained and specializing in eye diseases to prescribe and dispense contact lenses containing ocular agents-T as in the original bill, and (2) adds the exemption language concerning labeling requirements.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2009

BACKGROUND

Advanced Optometric Care

The law recognizes a category of optometric to perform 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