A. Optometrists certified to administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents or optometrists licensed after June 30, 1997, may administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents only by topical application to the human eye. For purposes of this section, “diagnostic pharmaceutical agents” means 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.

Terms Used In Virginia Code 54.1-3221

  • Board: means the Board of Optometry. See Virginia Code 54.1-3200
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Optometrist: means any person practicing the profession of optometry as defined in this chapter and the regulations of the Board. See Virginia Code 54.1-3200

B. Any optometrist who utilizes diagnostic pharmaceutical agents without being certified to administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents or licensed after June 30, 1997, 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 or an optometrist license issued after June 30, 1997.

1983, c. 6, § 54-386.2; 1988, c. 765; 1992, c. 146; 2004, c. 744; 2023, c. 268.