Juneau -- The Alaska House passed legislation Tuesday to increase optometrists' alternatives when treating patients. Senate Bill 78, sponsored by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, would expand the types of medication that optometrists may prescribe and use.

Optometrists are primary health care professionals that examine, diagnose and treat disorders of the human eye and it's appendages. They use diagnostic and therapeutic medications, methods and procedures in accordance with professional training and competency standards. While Alaska restricts optometrists' prescribing privileges to topical medications, 37 states allow them to prescribe oral medications.

"Alaska's Doctors of Optometry have had their scope of practice unduly restricted by outdated State statutes," said Senator Jerry Mackie, Chair of the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee. "SB 78 will allow them to practice at the currently accepted standard of care, and will provide Alaskans with improved access to high quality, cost effective eye care, especially in rural areas."

The House added an amendment requiring the Board of Optometrists to solicit the recommendations of the State Medical Board concerning the written and practical examinations that optometrists must take to prescribe medications.

SB 78 returns to the Senate for consideration of the amendment.

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