Transforming and Supporting Patient Care - Health Professions ...

310Chapter 13 – Profession of OptometryTHE PRESCRIBING AND USE OF DRUGS IN THEPROFESSION OF OPTOMETRYIntroduction and Scope of HPRAC’s ReviewThe College of Optometrists of Ontario (COO) and the Ontario Associationof Optometrists (OAO) submitted responses to HPRAC’s review of theprescribing and use of drugs by non-physicians. HPRAC carefullyconsidered each of these submissions, as well as input from research andconsultations, in developing its recommendations.BackgroundHow Optometrists are Regulated TodayIn Ontario, eye care services are provided by opticians, optometrists,ophthalmologists and family physicians. These professions haveoverlapping scopes of practice and share some authorities to performcontrolled acts. For example, opticians and optometrists are authorized todispense eyewear; however, only optometrists and physicians can conductcomplete vision tests and prescribe eyewear.Optometrists are primary care health professionals who play a leading rolein vision care for many Ontarians, and they are often the first professional aperson sees when eye care is a concern. Many first-time patients visit anoptometrist after experiencing eye strain or blurred vision and leave with aprescription or device to correct common refraction disorders, such asnear-sightedness. Others may be diagnosed and treated for more serioussensory or oculomotor disorders and dysfunctions of the eye and visionsystem. Optometrists also play a key role in disease prevention through theprovision of annual eye exams. They provide services to patients at all agesand stages of life.There are approximately 1,500 optometrists currently practising in Ontario,and they see nearly three million Ontarians each year. 1,2,3 Optometrists tendto work independently in private practice settings. Some optometristspractice in association with ophthalmologists to provide pre- and postoperativecare for cataract and refractive surgery patients, 4 some practicein community health centres and nursing homes, and some commonlycollaborate with ophthalmologists and other health professionals in sharedcare arrangements. 51Ontario Association of Optometrists. Submission to the Health Professions Regulatory AdvisoryCouncil. April 2005: 10. The OAO reported 1560 members on Dec. 31, 2007. This is an increasefrom 1505 members on Dec. 31, 2006 as reported in the 2007 Annual Report, College ofOptometrists of Ontario: 14.2College of Optometrists of Ontario. Submission to HPRAC. November 2008:11.3OAO Submission to HPRAC. April 2005: 5.4COO Submission to HPRAC. November 2008: 11.5Ibid. 6, 13.HPRAC Critical Links January 2009