§ 1728d -   Duration of treatment without referral

§ 1728d. Duration of treatment without referral

(a) If a glaucoma patient does not respond to up to three topically administered pharmaceutical agents within a reasonable time, the licensee shall refer the patient to a licensed ophthalmologist. No glaucoma patient shall be treated by an optometrist with more than three topically administered agents at any given time.

(b) If an oral medication is required to obtain an adequate clinical response, the licensee shall consult with a licensed ophthalmologist as soon as clinically prudent following initiation of the oral medication. This section shall not require that the licensee transfer care of the patient to the consulting ophthalmologist, but does require that the patient be seen by the consulting ophthalmologist. (Added 2003, No. 108 (Adj. Sess.), § 9.)