Scope of Practice
What this domain tests
This domain tests the boundary between permitted optometric care and conduct reserved to medicine or surgery. Questions often describe a patient finding and ask whether the optometrist may treat, must refer, or may co-manage.
Core rules
- Mississippi law defines optometry as examining, diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions of the visual system, eye, and adnexa within statutory limits and Board rules.
- Permitted care includes refraction, contact lenses, low-vision rehabilitation, topical and oral therapeutic agents as authorized, and minor adnexal procedures that the Act and rules allow.
- Invasive intraocular surgery and procedures expressly reserved to medicine are outside optometric scope. When a condition exceeds scope, the optometrist must refer without abandoning the patient.
- Co-management is permitted when the optometrist retains appropriate responsibility and communicates with the treating physician.
- The standard of care still applies: scope defines legal authority, not the quality of care expected.
Worked example
A patient presents with a superficial corneal foreign body after grinding metal. The optometrist removes it with a slit-lamp needle and prescribes a topical antibiotic. Reasoning: superficial foreign-body removal is within the minor adnexal/corneal procedures authorized by the Act and rules; a rust ring or intraocular foreign body would exceed that authority and require referral. The record must document the depth, technique, and follow-up.
Traps
Assuming any procedure an optometrist has been trained to do is automatically in scope; missing that a seemingly minor finding may indicate intraocular involvement; failing to document referral advice when the patient refuses.
Key points
- Scope is set by statute and Board rule, not by training alone.
- Minor corneal and adnexal procedures may be permitted; intraocular surgery is outside scope.
- Refer when findings exceed statutory authority.
- Co-management requires communication and retained responsibility.
- Document the basis for treatment or referral.