OAR 852-020-0050: Scope of Practice

(1) Optometric physicians in Oregon may perform procedures to diagnose or treat the eye. They may not perform invasive or laser surgery, sub-Tenon, retrobulbar, intraocular or botulinum toxin injection, or administer intravenous or general anesthesia. Nothing in these rules may be construed to prohibit an optometric physician from co-managing invasive surgery or laser surgery. Co-management is defined as the sharing of peri-operative responsibilities between the medical and optometric physician. (2) The Oregon Board of Optometry considers procedures to be within the scope of optometric practice, as defined in ORS Chapter 683, when all of the following questions can be answered in the affirmative. Any procedure that meets these qualifications is considered within the scope of optometric practice in Oregon: (a) Does this procedure involve the eye or the scope of functions of the eye? (b) Can this procedure be done without invasive surgery? (c) Can this procedure be done without laser surgery? (d) Can this procedure be done without closure by suture? (e) Can this procedure be done either without pharmaceutical agents or with pharmaceutical agents categorized in Division 80? (f) Can this procedure be done without sub-Tenon, retrobulbar, intraocular or botulinum toxin injection? (g) Can this procedure be done without conscious sedation, deep sedation or general anesthesia? (3)(a) Telehealth optometrists are subject to all of the provisions of the Oregon optometry law and rules and must meet the same standard of care. (b) Telehealth prescriptions may only be issued on an initial spectacle or contact lens prescription only after conducting an in-person eye exam prior to delivering telemedicine services. (4) The practice of optometry includes the prescription or utilization of lenses, prisms, filters, occlusion or other devices, ocular exercises, visual therapy, orthoptic therapy, visual rehabilitation and low vision rehabilitation for the correction, relief, or aid of the visual functions and for the improvement in activities of daily living.