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Modernizing the Scope of Practice of Optometry Will Improve Access to Needed Eye and Vision Health Care for All Maryland Citizens

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Modernizing the Scope of Practice of Optometry Will Improve Access to Needed Eye and Vision Health Care for All Maryland Citizens P.O. Box 350, Stevenson, MD 21153 ! T: (410) 486-9662 ! F: (443) 378-8845 ! www.marylandoptometry.org Modernizing the scope of practice of optometry will improve access to needed eye and vision health care for all Maryland citizens. It will ensure patients receive the best quality of care available, improve overall patient health outcomes and lower health care costs for both patients and insurers alike. SUMMARY OF SCOPE EXPANSION OBJECTIVES By removing outdated prohibitions in current statute, the bill seeks to better serve optometric patients by allowing Maryland optometrists to: • Prescribe all FDA Approved Therapeutic and Diagnostic Agents (e.g., oral and topical drugs, vitamins, and other therapies) • Independently Treat Glaucoma (development of patient treatment plan & delivery of pre/post operative care) • Perform In-office Diagnostic Testing (e.g., genetic testing via cheek swab and blood glucose testing for diabetes) • Order Diagnostic Tests (e.g., blood work, MRI, x-ray, sonogram, other lab work related to diseases of the eye and ocular system) • Remove Foreign Bodies “STATE OF THE STATE” SCOPE OF PRACTICE FACTS • Doctors of optometry order diagnostic tests in 45 states • Doctors of optometry prescribe controlled substances in 44 • Doctors of optometry to use oral drugs to treat Glaucoma in 42 states • Doctors of optometry prescribe anti-fungal oral medications in 41 states EDUCATION & TRAINING Optometrists receive a minimum of eight 8 years of education and training to obtain the required undergraduate and doctorate degrees necessary to practice optometry. All optometrists are required to pass a three part comprehensive national exam administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry prior to receiving their doctorate degree. Throughout optometry school, students spend more than 1,000 hours in the classroom and over 3,000 hours learning in a clinical setting. This education combines all phases of functional eye health care and optics with the health sciences in a unified, specialized program. Courses in pharmacology, optics, vision science, biochemistry and systemic diseases are included. By comparison, Nurse Practitioners receive approximately 500 classroom hours and 500-700 clinical hours of training. Many optometrists also complete a one to two year residency program to further their education and training in a specialty field. Throughout their careers, optometrists receive ongoing, specialized training to stay up-to-date on the latest technological advancements and newest developments in eye care. Optometrists are trained to examine the internal and external structures of the eyes to diagnose, treat and manage: • Eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disorders, and dry eye/ocular surface disease; • Eye-related conditions and disorders of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes; and • Vision conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. P.O. Box 350, Stevenson, MD 21153 ! T: (410) 486-9662 ! F: (443) 378-8845 ! www.marylandoptometry.org BENEFITS OF EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY Optometry’s Role in Preventative Medicine • The Institute of Medicine’s Primary Care: America’s Health in a New Era recognized optometrists as providing first-contact care for basic health services that are needed by most, if not all, of the population at some point in their lifetime suggesting the focus of primary care should include good vision care as part of the primary care model. o For some patients, their optometrist is the only contact they have with the health care system all year. • Optometrists are often the first to diagnose a systemic disorder based on an ocular examination. • Optometrists regularly refer patients to the appropriate health care professional when suspect examination findings indicate further testing is needed to rule out life-threatening conditions like cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Increased Access to Quality Eye Care Will Improve Patient Health Outcomes & Continuity of Care • Doctors of optometry are skilled in the cooperative management of eye and vision care • As principal providers of eye and vision care, optometrists are accessible, continuous, comprehensive, family-centered and culturally-effective health care professionals. • Doctors of optometry practice hours accommodate patient scheduling needs. Most practices provide evening and weekend hours to enhance accessibility for patients. o In some of Maryland’s more rural jurisdictions, optometrists are the only accessible provider of eye and vision care providing examination and treatment of patients with a variety of acute and chronic eye conditions • Quality of care improves as patients receive proper treatment on their initial visit to an eye care provider with appropriate referrals to an ophthalmologist or another health care professional made as necessary. • Optometric Clinical Practice Guidelines serve as a foundation for assuring that best practices are followed and that patients receive the highest quality care possible. • The addition of optometric care enhances the range and quality of services provided by the primary care model. Optometrists regularly communicate with a patient’s primary care provider; and as Medicare or Medicaid Meaningful Use providers are accustom to reporting patient health care measures and outcomes. PATIENT & INSURER COST SAVINGS: Providing the Right Care at the Right Time at the Right Place Saves Money Through accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate and timely treatment… • Optometrists reduce unnecessary and duplicative care including visits, drugs, tests and treatment. • Optometrists reduce emergency department and urgent care clinic admissions and readmissions. • Optometrists facilitate early and effective preventative care, lowering health care costs. • Optometric care saves patients time and money (e.g. time off work, additional copays and unmet deductibles). .
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