Doctors of optometry (O.D.s/optometrists) provide more than two-thirds of primary eye health care in the U.S. Optometrists are one of three types of eye care providers, alongside ophthalmologists (specialists who focus on more advanced surgical procedures) and opticians (who fit and/or fulfill corrective eye wear at the direction of either an optometrist or ophthalmologists). As health care providers, optometrists are trained to examine, diagnose, treat and manage eye disorders, diseases and injuries that manifest in the eye. In addition to providing eye and vision care, they may also play a key role in an individual’s general health and well-being. Optometrists can detect systemic diseases, provide vaccinations and prescribe medications.
The links to the right lead to maps showing a comparison of all states and territories for the following three policy areas:
1) authority to perform ophthalmic procedures
2) injectable authority
3) prescription of controlled substances
Choose a tab to explore different options. For more detailed information, please click on a state or territory.
Optometrists:
Prescription of controlled substances
Mobile users can use this dropdown of states if the map is too small.
LEGEND
- Schedule II (Hydrocodone only)-V
- Schedule III-V
- Schedule IV-V or no authority
- Information is not currently available
Optometrists can prescribe certain classifications of controlled substances depending on state law and/or rules and regulations. Schedule II controlled substances includes hydrocodone only. The Drug Enforcement Administration determines the classifications of controlled substances.
Policy areas for Optometrists
Prescription of controlled substances
Authority to perform ophthalmic procedures
Practitioner Scope of Practice
- Behavioral Health Providers
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
- Optometrists
- Oral Health Providers
- Pharmacists
- Physician Assistants