Which of the following medications can an optometrist NOT prescribe?

Optometrists have a defined scope of practice that varies by state, but generally, they are authorized to prescribe certain medications for the treatment of eye conditions. In Minnesota, optometrists can prescribe a range of medications, including topical ocular anesthetics, oral antibiotics for short durations, and anti-inflammatory drop medications. However, their prescriptive authority is limited regarding controlled substances, particularly Schedule II (C2) medications.

C2 medications, which include potent drugs such as opioids and certain stimulants, carry a high potential for abuse and strict regulatory controls. Most states, including Minnesota, restrict optometrists from prescribing these medications, allowing them only to prescribe lower scheduled medications or those specifically related to eye care. This limitation ensures patient safety and aligns with the optometric training, which does not focus on managing complex systemic conditions that may require C2 prescriptions.

In contrast, the other options—topical ocular anesthetics, short-duration oral antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drop medications—fall within the optometric scope of practice, as they are commonly used treatments for eye conditions that optometrists are trained to manage effectively.