NM Optometry Jurisprudence flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Optometry Act citation

NMSA Chapter 61, Article 2 is the New Mexico Optometry Act governing licensure, scope, and discipline; Board rules implement it under the Regulation and Licensing Department.

Therapeutic optometrist designation

A New Mexico license must carry the therapeutic designation before an optometrist may prescribe or administer topical and oral medications for ocular disease under the Act.

New Mexico license renewal

Optometrist licenses renew annually with required continuing education and fees; practicing on an expired license is unprofessional conduct subject to Board discipline.

Jurisprudence examination

Applicants for New Mexico licensure must pass a jurisprudence examination covering the Optometry Act and Board rules in addition to national board examinations.

Continuing education requirement

Each renewal cycle requires Board-approved CE hours including jurisprudence and therapeutics-related topics; licensees must retain certificates and produce them on Board audit.

Unprofessional conduct examples

Practicing beyond scope, impaired practice, incomplete records, and failure to report other-jurisdiction discipline are unprofessional conduct; the Board may fine, suspend, revoke, or probate.

Patient record retention

Board rules require legible, complete patient records retained for the specified period and released to the patient or authorized representative on request with limited exceptions.

Advertising restrictions

New Mexico prohibits false or misleading optometric advertising and requires disclosure of the optometrist responsible for advertised services; violations are enforced through Board complaints.

Referral for surgery

Optometrists must refer or co-manage surgical cases with an ophthalmologist; performing surgery exceeds the statutory scope of optometric practice in New Mexico.

Glaucoma certification

Managing glaucoma may require additional certification or credentialing under Board rules; topical and oral aqueous suppressants are within therapeutic optometrist scope when credentialed.

Uniform Licensing Act

The Uniform Licensing Act governs Board hearings, notice, and appeal procedures for New Mexico licensed professions, including optometry disciplinary proceedings.

Optometric technician licensure

New Mexico licenses optometric technicians who perform delegated tasks under optometrist supervision; the supervising optometrist remains responsible for patient care.

Comprehensive eye examination

Includes case history, visual acuity, refraction, binocular assessment, tonometry, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and dilated fundus examination, documented for every new patient.

Dilation indications

Dilated fundus examination is required for new patients and when clinically indicated, such as diabetes, glaucoma suspicion, flashes, floaters, or unexplained vision loss.

Tonometry techniques

Applanation tonometry is the reference standard; alternate methods include rebound and pneumotonometry. Central corneal thickness affects measured pressure and should be considered.

Gonioscopy purpose

Gonioscopy visualizes the anterior chamber angle to classify open versus narrow or closed angles and to detect neovascularization or pigment before dilation or treatment decisions.

Visual field testing

Automated perimetry detects glaucomatous and neurologic field loss; reliable testing requires fixation monitoring and repeat testing to confirm progression or defects.

Optic nerve head evaluation

Assess cup-to-disc ratio, neuroretinal rim, disc hemorrhage, and nerve fiber layer for glaucoma; serial comparison with baseline imaging improves detection of progression.

Topical steroid monitoring

Topical corticosteroids treat anterior inflammation but can raise intraocular pressure and increase infection risk; monitor pressure and taper appropriately.

Cycloplegic agents

Cycloplegics such as cyclopentolate and tropicamide dilate the pupil and relax accommodation for refraction and anterior segment evaluation; warn about photophobia and driving.

Microbial keratitis management

Contact lens-related keratitis requires prompt culture-guided topical antibiotic therapy, lens discontinuation, and urgent referral if vision is threatened or the ulcer is central.

Dry eye management

Treat tear film dysfunction with artificial tears, lid hygiene, punctal occlusion, and anti-inflammatory agents; assess meibomian gland function and medication contributors.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma

Presents with severe pain, halos, mid-dilated pupil, and elevated pressure; requires immediate pressure-lowering medication and urgent ophthalmology referral.

Retinal detachment referral

Sudden flashes, floaters, or a curtain-like visual field loss suggest detachment; same-day dilated examination and urgent ophthalmology referral are required.

Central retinal artery occlusion

Painless sudden monocular vision loss with a pale retina and cherry-red spot is an emergency requiring immediate referral and systemic evaluation for embolic sources.

Giant cell arteritis signs

Age over 50 with headache, jaw claudication, and vision loss requires urgent referral and high-dose steroids to prevent fellow-eye involvement.

Diabetic retinopathy screening

Dilated fundus examination or validated imaging detects diabetic retinopathy; refer for edema or proliferative disease, and coordinate with the patient's diabetes care team.

OCT interpretation

Optical coherence tomography measures retinal layers and detects macular edema, epiretinal membranes, and ganglion cell loss; compare serial scans for change.

Contact lens fitting

Evaluate corneal curvature, tear film, and lid anatomy; select lens material and parameters, teach hygiene, and schedule follow-up to detect neovascularization or keratitis.

Topical anesthetic use

Topical anesthetics such as proparacaine are used for measurement and minor procedures; they are not prescribed for home use because of corneal toxicity.

Emergency documentation

When referring an emergent condition, document findings, urgency, the referral destination, and patient instructions, and arrange same-day ophthalmology contact.

Co-management with ophthalmology

Co-management divides perioperative and chronic care between optometrist and ophthalmologist; the optometrist documents findings and communicates with the surgeon.