OD training and practice scope

[DOPhD student]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello,

1. Which state allows the widest scope of practice for optometrists?
2. Which school prepares students best for wide scope practice?
3. When an optometrist is licensed in one state, is there an exam he will have to take to be licensed in another state or is there reciprocal licensing?

Thanks.

 

[valine1212]

As far as I know, you are alow to perform some minor laser procedures in Oklahoma(spelling?). And to that matter, the optometry school in OK teaches the minor laser procedures in their classes and offer residency program for that. However, I heard very few ODs perform the procedures.

I've talked to many different ODs and optometry school professors and they all said their schools teach the students to practice the "fullest scope" so I guess most (i mean relatively speaking) are pretty much the same.

 

[r_salis]

Just curious, DOPhD -- why are you asking about this?

> 1. Which state allows the widest scope of practice for
> optometrists?

The scope of practice for ODs is legislated by state, so naturally it varies by state. I don't know the state with the widest scope of practice, but I do know a few states with some of the *narrowest* scopes -- PA, FL and NY -- not coincidentally, these are states with a large number of medical schools and strong AMA membership.

> 2. Which school prepares students best for wide scope practice?

This one I'm not sure about, but I believe all schools teach the same topics and specialties. If a school offers a rotation in a specialty, you might get more hands-on experience with it -- for example, contact lens might be taught in class but not available as a rotation.

> 3. When an optometrist is licensed in one state, is there an
> exam he will have to take to be licensed in another state or is
> there reciprocal licensing?

State board exams vary state to state, I don't believe there are any states which offer reciprocal licensing.

 

[cpw]

Originally posted by r_salis

State board exams vary state to state, I don't believe there are any states which offer reciprocal licensing.

AOA is working on this. I also heard at TOA last weekend that the AOA is going to launch a new program starting in May to help us refinance our loans and knock about 2% off the interest. So, anyone going to AOA this summer in San Diego find out all you can about this program.. it's going to be HUGE to help ODs with the cost of student loans.

 

[rpames]

DOPhD- that is one mean looking avitar!

1. I would agree that OK has a pretty wide range of practice. I know WI is pretty cutting edge as well, but I'm not sure about other states

2. All schools have to have a certian course load and meet specific requirments, but OK has a pretty good program. The problem is they only take students from OK and a few surrounding states. Otherwise I think ICO is the best...I'm a little bias. Viva ICO!!!

3. r_salis is right.

 

[Reality check]

r-salis
NY allows qualified optometrists who are TPA- therapeutically certified in phase 1 and phase 2 full privilges. All topical meds including glaucoma and punctal inclusion. Research before you start talking off the top of your head to an DO/PH.D.
Reading some of these posts by preoptometry students or optometry students makes me either want to laugh or cry. Most of you spend too much time on these posts when you should be studying to do well on your exams.

 

[r_salis]

Thanks!

 

[DOPhD student]

Thank you for your replies. My impression from talking to an OD while on ophtho rotation is that OK ODs have the fullest scope and that Northwestern optometry school prepares students best to co-manage postop patients. I just want to confirm this impression. Why my interest? My wife is looking either at OD or MD school. I'm trying to land a residency in an area where either type of education is available. I want her to have the most well rounded education and the widest possible practice scope if it is OD and not MD. Coincidentally, no reciprocal licensing? This really sucks.

 

[rpames]

To be licensed all you have to do is take a test, no big deal. How does it work for MDs and DOs, for that matter DDS?

 

[TAL]

According to my professors, MOST states accept the National Board exam as the licensing exam for optometrists. When you move to a new state, you only have to take the new state's exam which covers the laws governing optometry in that particular state. This is the purpose of the NATIONAL Board exam.

 

[cpw]

Originally posted by TAL
According to my professors, MOST states accept the National Board exam as the licensing exam for optometrists. When you move to a new state, you only have to take the new state's exam which covers the laws governing optometry in that particular state. This is the purpose of the NATIONAL Board exam.

In general this is true.. unless you move to a more restrictive state like Florida, New York or California. They make it a little harder to get in.