What can an optometrist NOT prescribe or administer?

An optometrist is limited in their prescribing authority when it comes to certain medications, especially those that have a potential for systemic effects or are considered more complex in their therapeutic applications. In the case of oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, these medications are generally used in the management of conditions like glaucoma, and they can have significant side effects and require careful monitoring due to their systemic nature.

While optometrists can prescribe a range of medications, including topical antibiotics and certain oral medications, the ability to prescribe oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for an extended duration—more than seven days—exceeds their scope of practice in Minnesota. This restriction is in place to ensure patient safety, as prolonged treatment with these drugs may necessitate a level of oversight and management typically reserved for other healthcare providers, such as ophthalmologists or primary care physicians.

In summary, the rationale behind this restriction is based on the need for comprehensive patient evaluation and ongoing management that could be beyond the typical training and scope of practice for optometrists, particularly when it comes to certain systemic medications and their potential complications.