NRS 636.025 Acts constituting practice in optometry; unauthorized acts.

487 words·~2 min read·/nv/chapter-636-optometry/636-025

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

1. The acts set forth in this section, or any of them, whether done severally, collectively or in combination with other acts that are not set forth in this section constitute practice in optometry within the purview of this chapter:

(a)Advertisement or representation as an optometrist.

(b)Adapting, or prescribing or dispensing, without prescription by a practitioner of optometry or medicine licensed in this State, any ophthalmic lens, frame or mounting, or any part thereof, for correction, relief or remedy of any abnormal condition or insufficiency of the eye or any appendage or visual process. The provisions of this paragraph do not prevent an optical mechanic from doing the mere mechanical work of replacement or duplication of the ophthalmic lens or prevent a licensed dispensing optician from engaging in the practice of ophthalmic dispensing.

(c)The examination, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of the human eye and its appendages, the measurement of the powers or range of human vision by any means, including, without limitation, the use of an autorefractor or other automated testing device, unless performed under the direct responsibility of a licensed optometrist as authorized in NRS 636.346 , the determination of the accommodative and refractive states of the eye or the scope of its function in general, or the diagnosis or determination of any visual, muscular, neurological, interpretative or anatomic anomalies or deficiencies of the eye or its appendages or visual processes.

(d)Prescribing, directing the use of or using any optical device in connection with ocular exercises, orthoptics, vision rehabilitation, vision therapy or visual training.

(e)The prescribing of contact lenses.

(f)The measurement, initial fitting, as defined in NRS 636.387 , or adaptation of contact lenses to the human eye except under the direction, responsibility and supervision of an optometrist licensed in the State of Nevada as authorized in NRS 636.346 .

(g)The topical use of pharmaceutical agents to determine any visual, muscular, neurological, interpretative or anatomic anomalies or deficiencies of the eye or its appendages or visual processes.

(h)Prescribing, directing the use of or using a pharmaceutical agent or device to treat an abnormality of the eye or its appendages.

(i)Removing a foreign object from the surface or epithelium of the eye.

(j)Removing eyelashes with forceps.

(k)Closing the lacrimal punctum of the eye.

(l)The ordering or performing of laboratory tests or imaging to assist in the diagnosis of an abnormality of the eye or its appendages.

2. The provisions of this section do not authorize an optometrist to engage in any practice which includes:

(a)Any procedure using a laser, scalpel, needle or other instrument in which any human tissue is cut, burned or vaporized by incision, injection, ultrasound, laser, infusion, cryotherapy, radiation or other means; or

(b)Any procedure using an instrument which requires the closure of human tissue by suture, clamp or similar device.