FL S0278

Authorizes certified optometrists to administer and prescribe ocular pharmaceutical agents (both topical and oral) for diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions, subject to board-approved training and a 20-contact-hour course on pharmaceutical agents.

Establishes a statutory formulary of oral ocular pharmaceutical agents including specific analgesics (limited to 72 hours), antibiotics, antivirals, and anti-glaucoma agents that certified optometrists may prescribe without board rule-making.

Requires certified optometrists to report adverse incidents (hospitalizations, permanent injuries, death, or vision loss) occurring within 15 days to the department, which reviews incidents for potential disciplinary action.

Permits certified optometrists to perform specified eye examinations including dilated exams, remove superficial foreign bodies, remove eyelashes, probe tear ducts, and scrape corneal tissue for culture or debris removal.

Prohibits certified optometrists from prescribing Schedule I or II controlled substances and from prescribing any drug for treating systemic diseases, while allowing use of emergency anaphylaxis treatment.