PRINTER'S NO. 405
No. 392 Session of 2001
INTRODUCED BY PICCOLA, FUMO AND LOGAN, FEBRUARY 8, 2001
REFERRED TO CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE,
FEBRUARY 8, 2001
AN ACT
1 Amending the act of June 6, 1980 (P.L.197, No.57), entitled "An
2 act regulating the licensure and practice of optometry,
3 making repeals and providing penalties," further defining
4 "practice of optometry."
5 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
6 hereby enacts as follows:
7 Section 1. The definition of "practice of optometry" in
8 section 2 of the act of June 6, 1980 (P.L.197, No.57), known as
9 the Optometric Practice and Licensure Act, amended October 30,
10 1996 (P.L.721, No.130), is amended to read:
11 Section 2. Definitions.
12 The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
13 have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the
14 meanings given to them in this section:
15 * * *
16 "Practice of optometry."
17 (1) The use of any and all means or methods for the
18 examination, diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the
1 human visual system and shall include the examination for,
2 and adapting and fitting of, any and all kinds and types of
3 lenses including contact lenses.
4 (2) The administration and prescription of legend and
5 nonlegend drugs as approved by the Secretary of Health for
6 treatment of the anterior segment of the eye, the eyelids,
7 the lacrimal system and the conjunctiva and the removal of
8 superficial foreign bodies from the ocular surface and adnexa
9 so long as treatment of diseases or conditions of the visual
10 system as authorized under this paragraph shall not continue
11 beyond six weeks from the initiation of treatment unless the
12 prescribing optometrist documents consultation with a
13 licensed physician. As used in this paragraph, the initiation
14 of treatment may, but need not, include the prescription or
15 administration of pharmaceutical agents for therapeutic
16 purposes.
17 (3) The term shall not include:
18 (i) surgery, including, but not limited to, laser
19 surgery; the use of lasers for therapeutic purposes; and
20 the use of injections in the treatment of ocular disease;
21 (ii) the use of Schedule I and Schedule II
22 controlled substances;
23 (iii) the use of beta blockers and the use of oral
24 steroids;
25 (iv) treatment of systemic disease; and
26 (v) the treatment of glaucoma.
27 Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
A4L63DMS/20010S0392B0405 - 2 -