Virginia Law

Code of Virginia

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Code of Virginia
Title 54.1. Professions and Occupations
Chapter 32. Optometry
3/21/2023

Article 4. Certification for Administration of Diagnostic Pharmaceutical Agents.

§ 54.1-3220. Certification for administration of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents.

In order to become certified to administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents for the purpose of examining and determining abnormal or diseased conditions of the human eye or related structures, an optometrist shall:

1. Complete successfully a Board-approved course in general and ocular pharmacology as it relates to the practice of optometry which shall consist of at least fifty-five classroom hours including a minimum of fifteen classroom hours in general pharmacology, twenty classroom hours in ocular pharmacology and twenty classroom hours of clinical laboratory presented by a college or university accredited by a regional or professional accreditation organization which is recognized or approved by the Council on Post Secondary Accreditation or by the United States Department of Education.

2. Pass a Board-approved, performance-based examination on general and ocular pharmacology designed to test knowledge of the proper use, characteristics, pharmacological effects, indications, contraindications and emergency care associated with the use of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents as defined in this article.

1983, c. 6, § 54-386.1; 1988, c. 765; 1996, cc. 365, 436.

§ 54.1-3221. "Diagnostic pharmaceutical agents" defined; utilization; acquisition.

A. Certified optometrists may administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents only by topical application to the human eye. "Diagnostic pharmaceutical agents" shall be defined as Schedule VI controlled substances as set forth in the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) that are used for the purpose of examining and determining abnormal or diseased conditions of the human eye or related structures.

B. Any optometrist who utilizes diagnostic pharmaceutical agents without being certified as required by this article shall be subject to the disciplinary sanctions provided in this chapter.

C. Licensed drug suppliers or pharmacists are authorized to supply optometrists with diagnostic pharmaceutical agents upon presentation of evidence of Board certification for administration of such drugs.

1983, c. 6, § 54-386.2; 1988, c. 765; 1992, c. 146; 2004, c. 744.