Which of the following medications cannot be prescribed by an optometrist?

Which of the following medications cannot be prescribed by an optometrist?

• A. Oral steroids for up to 7 days
• B. Oral NSAIDs
• C. Injected medications
• D. Oral antibiotics

Answer: (C)

Optometrists have a defined scope of practice that includes the ability to prescribe certain types of medications. However, injected medications fall outside this authority. The training and qualifications of optometrists typically do not include the administration of injections, which generally require a greater degree of medical training and procedures. In contrast, oral steroids, oral NSAIDs, and oral antibiotics are within the prescribing capabilities of optometrists. They can prescribe oral steroids for acute conditions, utilize NSAIDs for pain management, and administer antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections. Each of these medications can be vital in managing various ocular conditions that optometrists diagnose and treat in their practice. Therefore, while optometrists have the ability to prescribe a range of oral medications, the inability to administer injected medications is a limitation set by regulatory and legislative guidelines in most states, including Arizona.

Optometrists have a defined scope of practice that includes the ability to prescribe certain types of medications. However, injected medications fall outside this authority. The training and qualifications of optometrists typically do not include the administration of injections, which generally require a greater degree of medical training and procedures.

In contrast, oral steroids, oral NSAIDs, and oral antibiotics are within the prescribing capabilities of optometrists. They can prescribe oral steroids for acute conditions, utilize NSAIDs for pain management, and administer antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections. Each of these medications can be vital in managing various ocular conditions that optometrists diagnose and treat in their practice.

Therefore, while optometrists have the ability to prescribe a range of oral medications, the inability to administer injected medications is a limitation set by regulatory and legislative guidelines in most states, including Arizona.