Amends the definitions of diagnostic pharmaceuticals, topical therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents for treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension as they relate to the certification to use therapeutic drugs in the practice of optometry.
Summary
A02202 would expand and update the Education Law provisions governing what optometrists in New York may use and prescribe in the course of practice. The bill broadens the definitions of diagnostic pharmaceuticals, topical therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, and glaucoma/ocular hypertension agents by removing some of the current narrow lists of drug classes and replacing them with broader references to topical use on the eye and adnexa. It also updates terminology from “drugs” and “phase one/phase two” language to “agents” and “topical therapeutic pharmaceutical agents,” while keeping the requirement that the medications be FDA-approved and commercially available.
The bill also revises certification and reciprocity provisions for optometrists. It clarifies that graduates of approved programs and optometrists certified in another jurisdiction may qualify under the statute’s exemptions, and it ties authorization to the broader categories of topical therapeutic agents and glaucoma/ocular hypertension agents rather than the older phase-based terminology. The measure takes effect immediately if enacted.
Impact
The bill would amend section 7101-a of the Education Law, changing the statutory definitions that determine the scope of optometric prescribing authority in New York. In practical terms, it would likely expand or modernize the range of topical ophthalmic medications that certified optometrists may use and prescribe, and it would align the law’s terminology with current practice and certification structures. The affected parties are optometrists, patients receiving eye care, and the State Education Department, which oversees certification and licensure.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, vote tally, or recorded opposition, so there is no documented debate to indicate strong controversy. Based on the bill text, the measure appears to be a technical and scope-of-practice update intended to modernize optometry law rather than a highly partisan proposal. The absence of votes or discussion suggests the bill’s reception is not documented in the provided materials.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is scope of practice: the bill broadens the categories of topical ophthalmic pharmaceuticals that optometrists may use and prescribe, which could raise concerns from some medical or professional groups about whether optometrists should have expanded prescribing authority. Another possible issue is the removal of the statute’s detailed drug-class lists in favor of broader language, which may be viewed as increasing flexibility but also reducing specificity. No specific objections are recorded in the provided materials.
Same As
Amends the definitions of diagnostic pharmaceuticals, topical therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents for treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension as they relate to the certification to use therapeutic drugs in the practice of optometry.