§59-581. Practice of optometry - Definition.
485 words·~2 min read·
/ok/title-59-professions-and-occupations/59-581·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
A. The practice of optometry is defined to be the science and art of examining the human eye and measurement of the powers of vision by the employment of any means, including the use or furnishing of any self-testing device, the use of any computerized or automatic refracting device, including applications designed to be used on a computer or video conferencing via an Internet device either in person or in remote locations, the use of pharmaceutical agents, the diagnosis of conditions of the human eye, and the correcting and relief of ocular abnormalities by means including but not limited to prescribing and adaptation of lenses, contact lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses, prisms and the employment of vision therapy or orthoptics for the aid thereof, low vision rehabilitation, laser surgery procedures, excluding retina, laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK), and cosmetic lid surgery.
The practice of optometry is further defined to be nonlaser surgery procedures as authorized by the Oklahoma Board of Examiners in Optometry, pursuant to rules promulgated under the Administrative Procedures Act.
B. The practice of optometry shall also include the prescribing of dangerous drugs and controlled dangerous substances for all schedules specified in the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances
Act except Schedules I and II but allowing for the prescribing of hydrocodone or hydrocodone-containing drugs regardless of schedule for a period not exceeding five
(5)days of supply, and the issuance of refills for such prescriptions following sufficient physical examination of the patient for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of ocular abnormalities. The practice of optometry shall include the dispensing of medications to treat ocular abnormalities and may include the dispensing of professional samples of medications to treat ocular abnormalities to patients.
C. The scope of the delivery of care as defined in subsections A and B of this section to an individual who is physically located in this state at the time care is delivered shall constitute the practice of optometry.
D. Optometrists shall be certified by the Board of Examiners in Optometry prior to administering drugs, prescribing drugs, or performing laser or nonlaser surgery procedures.
E. Nothing in this title shall be construed as allowing any agency, board, or other entity of this state other than the Board of Examiners in Optometry to determine what constitutes the practice of optometry. Added by Laws 1927, c. 80, p. 119, § 1, emerg. eff. March 22, 1927. Amended by Laws 1937, p. 95, § 1, emerg. eff. April 2, 1937; Laws 1981, c. 10, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1981; Laws 1994, c. 52, § 1; Laws 1998, c. 8, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1998; Laws 2004, c. 171, § 2, emerg. eff. April 28, 2004; Laws 2014, c. 140, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2014; Laws 2016, c. 21, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2016; Laws 2020, c. 54, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2020; Laws 2021, c. 223, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2021.