§ 1729a - Prerequisites to treating glaucoma - Vermont Statutes

§ 1729a. Prerequisites to treating glaucoma

A licensee who is already certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and who graduated from a school of optometry prior to 2003 and is not certified in another jurisdiction having substantially similar prerequisites to treating glaucoma shall, in addition to being certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, provide to the board verification of successful completion of an 18-hour course and examination offered by the State University of New York State College of Optometry or similar accredited institution. Successful completion shall include passing an examination substantially equivalent to the relevant portions on glaucoma and orals of the examination given to current graduates of optometry school and shall require the same passing grade. The course shall cover the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and the use of oral medications and shall be taught by both optometrists and ophthalmologists. In addition, the licensee shall collaborate with an ophthalmologist regarding his or her current glaucoma patients for six months and at least five new glaucoma patients before treating glaucoma patients independently. These five new glaucoma patients shall be seen at least once by the collaborating ophthalmologist. (Added 2003, No. 108 (Adj. Sess.), § 11.)