(1) An optometrist may:

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Terms Used In Utah Code 58-16a-601

  • Division: means the Division of Professional Licensing created in Section 58-1-103. See Utah Code 58-1-102
  • Eye and its adnexa: means the human eye and all structures situated within the orbit, including the conjunctiva, lids, lashes, and lacrimal system. See Utah Code 58-16a-102
  • Laser surgery: means surgery in which human tissue is cut, burned, or vaporized by means of laser or ionizing radiation. See Utah Code 58-16a-102
     (1)(a) provide optometric services not specifically prohibited under this chapter or division rules if the services are within the optometrist’s training, skills, and scope of competence; and
     (1)(b) prescribe or administer pharmaceutical agents for the eye and its adnexa, including oral agents, subject to the following conditions:

          (1)(b)(i) an optometrist may prescribe oral antibiotics for only eyelid related ocular conditions or diseases, and other ocular conditions or diseases specified by division rule; and
          (1)(b)(ii) an optometrist may administer or prescribe a hydrocodone combination drug, or a Schedule III controlled substance, as defined in Section 58-37-4, only if:

               (1)(b)(ii)(A) the substance is administered or prescribed for pain of the eye or adnexa;
               (1)(b)(ii)(B) the substance is administered orally or topically or is prescribed for oral or topical use;
               (1)(b)(ii)(C) the amount of the substance administered or prescribed does not exceed a 72-hour quantity; and
               (1)(b)(ii)(D) if the substance is prescribed, the prescription does not include refills.
(2) An optometrist may not:

     (2)(a) perform surgery, including laser surgery; or
     (2)(b) prescribe or administer a Schedule II controlled substance, as defined in Section 58-37-4, except for a hydrocodone combination drug, if so scheduled and prescribed or administered in accordance with Subsection (1)(b).
(3) For purposes of Sections 31A-22-618 and 31A-45-303, an optometrist is a health care provider.