Transforming and Supporting Patient Care - Health Professions ...

314Chapter 13 – Profession of OptometryRequests for ChangeRequest 1: Designated Drugs RegulationIn 2007, the Health Systems Improvements Act amended the Optometry Act,1991 to include the authorized act of prescribing designated drugs.Following the change to the Act, in May 2008, the COO submitted a list ofproposed drugs for inclusion in the drug regulation to the Minister forreview. In its submission, the COO proposed a list of topically applied drugcategories (anti-infectives, anti-inflammatory, mydriatics, cycloplegics, antiallergics,decongestants, artificial tears, ocular lubricants and secretotoguesand orally taken anti-infectives for the purpose of treating corneal andeyelid infections). Optometrists are now awaiting approval on the classes ofdrugs to be designated in the regulation. The categories currently underconsideration by the Ministry do not include drugs to treat glaucoma.The proposed regulation as submitted would enable optometrists toprescribe the following categories of drugs:Topically Applied1. Anti-infectives2. Anti-inflammatories3. Mydriatics4. Cycloplegics5. Anti-allergics6. Decongestants7. Artificial tears, ocular lubricants and secretogogues.Orally Taken1. Anti-infectives for the purpose of treating corneal and eyelidinfections.Proponents’ RationaleThere are a growing number of optometrists in Ontario, many of whomwork in smaller communities, providing care in areas where many Ontariansmay have difficulty accessing a primary care physician. Having the ability toprescribe the categories of drugs identified by the COO would enableoptometrists to manage vision care without the interim step of referring toa physician to obtain a prescription for treatment.When the amendments to the Act and regulations come into full force,optometrists state that they will be better able to practise to the full extentof their education and competence. Patients will have greater access to safeand effective health care from professionals authorized to prescribe drugs,and will be able to receive treatment in a more timely fashion. Duplicatedphysician visits for the sole purpose of obtaining a prescription following areferral will be avoided. This is particularly important in rural and remoteareas, where there may be significant delays before another professionalwith prescribing rights can see the patient.Proponents said that medical directives or delegation models have not beenemployed in Ontario optometry, as the referral model is more commonlyHPRAC Critical Links January 2009