Abstract:Optometry is recognized as a primary care profession within the health care system. For years, much emphasis has been placed on the core function of optometrists as prescribers for refractive correction, yet little is known about their medication prescribing habits. Optometrists have had the ability to prescribe medications for the last 30 years, and still little information is available about optometric pharmaceutical trends. This study consists of a survey aimed at obtaining self-reported data to depict optometrists' likelihood of prescribing ophthalmic medications during a regular clinic day. We conclude that optometrists are indeed using medications in their clinics, and the trends are very similar to the epidemiological distribution of eye disorders in the general population.
The traditional role of optometry has been the performance of refractions with the intent to correct vision disorders. In the US, optometry accounts for over two thirds of eye care-related visits. Optometrists have had the privilege of prescribing medications for many years and have been known to manage eye diseases. With no quantitative data known about optometrists' involvement in managing diseases of the eye, this study describes the trend of ophthalmic drug prescription-writing by optometrists in the US over a 12 quarter period (comprising a 3 year period).
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