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Hey! Who's Holding that Needle?
There is a huge flap in North Carolina involving ophthalmic and optometric scope of practice (a buzzword for who-can-do-what to patients).
NC Optometrists attempted to get legislation passed that would, for the first time, authorize ODs to perform therapeutic injections in the eyelids and around the eye.
Click here to read one published version of the controversy.
Ophthalmologists are licensed physicians who have completed medical school, internship, residency (specialty) training, and often a post-residency subspecialty fellowship - often 9 years training after college.
Optometrists are vision care providers but they are not trained surgeons and do not hold a medical degree or a license to practice medicine. The scope of practice debate has lasted decades.
Similar competition exists between orthopaedic surgeons/podiatrists, psychiatrists/psychologists, and anesthesiologists/nurse anesthetists. Money (insurance reimbursements) is the traditional catalyst. Surprised? I didn't think so!
It is always wise to know the full qualifications of the health professional before you let someone poke you with a needle anywhere near your eyes.
Related Topics: A Who's Who of Eye Care Specialists, Visiting Your Eye Doctor
Technorati Tags: eye care, optometry, ophthalmology
NC Optometrists attempted to get legislation passed that would, for the first time, authorize ODs to perform therapeutic injections in the eyelids and around the eye.
Click here to read one published version of the controversy.
Ophthalmologists are licensed physicians who have completed medical school, internship, residency (specialty) training, and often a post-residency subspecialty fellowship - often 9 years training after college.
Optometrists are vision care providers but they are not trained surgeons and do not hold a medical degree or a license to practice medicine. The scope of practice debate has lasted decades.
Similar competition exists between orthopaedic surgeons/podiatrists, psychiatrists/psychologists, and anesthesiologists/nurse anesthetists. Money (insurance reimbursements) is the traditional catalyst. Surprised? I didn't think so!
It is always wise to know the full qualifications of the health professional before you let someone poke you with a needle anywhere near your eyes.
Related Topics: A Who's Who of Eye Care Specialists, Visiting Your Eye Doctor
Technorati Tags: eye care, optometry, ophthalmology
