7101. Definition of the practice of optometry. The practice of the profession of optometry is defined as diagnosing and treating optical deficiency, optical deformity, visual anomaly, muscular anomaly or disease of the human eye and adjacent tissue by prescribing, providing, adapting or fitting lenses or by prescribing, providing, adapting or fitting non-corrective contact lenses, or by prescribing or providing orthoptics or vision training, or by prescribing and using drugs. The practice of optometry shall not include any injection or invasive modality. For purposes of this section invasive modality means any procedure in which human tissue is cut, altered, or otherwise infiltrated by mechanical or other means. Invasive modality includes surgery, lasers, ionizing radiation, therapeutic ultrasound and the removal of foreign bodies from within the tissue of the eye. Nothing in this section or section seventy-one hundred one-a of this article shall be construed to limit the scope of optometric practice as authorized prior to January first, nineteen hundred ninety-five. The use of drugs by optometrists is authorized only in accordance with the provisions of this article and regulations promulgated by the commissioner.
Last modified: February 3, 2019