SECTION 505:10-5-17. Proper scope of practice of nonlaser surgical procedures

(a)   The practice of optometry is defined to be the science and art of examining the human eye and measurement of the powers of vision by the employment of any means, including the use or furnishing of any self-testing device, the use of any computerized or automatic refracting device, the use of pharmaceutical agents, the diagnosis of conditions of the human eye, and the correcting and relief of ocular abnormalities by means including but not limited to prescribing and adaptation of lenses, contact lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses, prisms and the employment of vision therapy or orthoptics for the aid thereof, low vision rehabilitation, laser surgery procedures, excluding retina, laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK), and cosmetic lid surgery. (59 O.S. § 581) In addition, the practice of optometry shall include the correction and relief of ocular abnormalities by Non-Laser Surgical procedures not excluded in paragraph (b) of this rule.

(b)   Except for the Post Operative Care of these procedures, the following Non-Laser Surgeries are excluded from the scope of practice of optometry:

(1)   Non-Laser Surgery related to removal of the eye on a living human being;

(2)   Non-Laser Surgery requiring full thickness incision or excision of the cornea or sclera other than Paracentesis in an emergency situation requiring immediate reduction of the pressure inside the eye;

(3)   Penetrating Keratoplasty (Corneal Transplant), or Lamellar Keratoplasty;

(4)   Non-Laser Surgery requiring incision of the Iris and Ciliary body, also includes Iris diathermy or cryotherapy;

(5)   Non-Laser Surgery requiring incision of the Vitreous;

(6)   Non-Laser Surgery requiring incision of the Retina;

(7)   Non-Laser Surgical Extraction of the Crystalline Lens;

(8)   Non-Laser Surgery Intraocular Implants;

(9)   Incisional or excisional Non-Laser Surgery of the Extraocular Muscles;

(10)   Non-Laser Surgery of the eyelid for incisional Cosmetic or Mechanical repair of Blepharochalasis, ptosis, and tarsorrhaphy or eyelid malignencies.

(11)   Non-Laser Surgery of the boney Orbit, including Orbital Implants;

(12)   Incisional or excisional Non-Laser Surgery of the Lacrimal System other than Lacrimal probing or related procedures;

(13)   Non-Laser Surgery requiring full thickness Conjuntivoplasty with graft or flap; and

(14)   Any Non-Laser Surgical procedure that does not provide for the correction and relief of ocular abnormalities.

(c)   The language of the Oklahoma Statutes shall be controlling if there is any conflict between this rule and the statutes.

[Source: Added at 22 Ok Reg 169, eff 10-29-04 (emergency); Amended at 22 Ok Reg 2607, eff 7-11-05]