NM Optometry Jurisprudence cheat sheet

New Mexico optometry is regulated under the Optometry Act (NMSA Chapter 61, Article 2) and Board of Optometry rules; the Board sits within the Regulation and Licensing Department and licenses optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and optometric technicians.

Licensure requires graduation from an accredited optometry school, passage of NBEO examinations, and a jurisprudence examination; licenses renew annually, and lapsed licenses require reinstatement with fees and possible reexamination.

A therapeutic optometrist may use and prescribe topical and oral medications for ocular conditions, including oral corticosteroids and antivirals; the license must explicitly carry the therapeutic designation before such prescribing is lawful.

Optometrists must refer to or co-manage with an ophthalmologist for surgery and for conditions beyond the statutory scope; glaucoma management and certain procedures carry additional certification or credentialing requirements under Board rules.

Continuing education is required each renewal cycle, with a set number of hours in jurisprudence and pharmacology- or therapeutics-related topics; CE must be from Board-approved providers and records are subject to audit.

Unprofessional conduct includes practicing beyond scope, failing to maintain patient records, substance impairment, and failing to report adverse events or disciplinary actions in other jurisdictions; the Board may suspend, revoke, fine, or place on probation.

Patient records must be legible, complete, and retained for the period set by Board rule; records must be released to the patient or authorized representative on request, with limited exceptions for harm to the patient or others.

Advertising and fee rules prohibit false or misleading statements and require disclosure of the optometrist responsible for services; the Board enforces through complaint investigation and hearings under the Uniform Licensing Act.

Perform and document a comprehensive eye examination including case history, visual acuity, refraction, binocular assessment, tonometry, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and dilated fundus examination; dilation is required for new patients and when clinically indicated.

Diagnose and manage anterior segment disease: conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, dry eye, and corneal abrasion, with appropriate topical antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and punctal occlusion as indicated.

Manage glaucoma including tonometry, gonioscopy, optic nerve head evaluation, visual field testing, and topical or oral aqueous suppressants; co-manage surgical cases with an ophthalmologist.

Prescribe and fit contact lenses, including rigid, soft, and specialty lenses; evaluate corneal curvature, tear film, and lid anatomy, and monitor for complications such as microbial keratitis and corneal neovascularization.

Use diagnostic and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents: topical anesthetics for measurement, mydriatics and cycloplegics, topical steroids with monitoring for pressure rise, and oral antibiotics when indicated.

Recognize and refer emergent conditions: acute angle-closure glaucoma, retinal detachment, central retinal artery occlusion, endophthalmitis, and giant cell arteritis; document urgency and arrange same-day ophthalmology care.

Perform dilated fundus examination and interpret imaging (OCT, fundus photography, visual fields) to detect diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucomatous change, referring when treatment exceeds scope.