SB 1168 - Optometry

• Establishes "certified optometrist in ophthalmic surgery" designation, requiring board-approved course and examination, allowing laser and non-laser ophthalmic surgery with specific prohibited procedures listed.

• Grants Board of Optometry sole authority to determine what constitutes optometry practice and authority to issue advisory opinions and declaratory rulings.

• Revises definition of "ocular pharmaceutical agent" to include any prescription or nonprescription drug for eye treatment and approved narcotics, excluding Schedule I controlled substances.

• Removes statutory formulary of oral ocular pharmaceutical agents and replaces with board-established formulary rule taking effect in 20 days instead of 60 days.

• Eliminates blanket prohibition on surgery by optometrists and allows State Health Officer to authorize prohibited acts during public health emergencies.

• Effective July 1, 2017.