Optometrists get new prescribing rights in NT
The NT Government is to allow Territorians to have access to some medical prescriptions through the local optometrist, following complaints of time-consuming and costly referrals for treating simple eye conditions.
Optometrists will be able to prescribe medicines for everyday eye problems such as contact lens infections and conjunctivitis. Previously they have been unable to provide treatment to many of their clients because legislation did not recognise them as an approved group of persons who could supply medication.
The law will now allow Territorians to get prescriptions for many ocular medicines from optometrists, as well as general practitioners and specialists.
Optometrists will need to complete further study to be able to provide these new services.
They will only be able to prescribe medications on a formulary or list of approved
medications.
The supply of medications by authorised optometrists will be subject to conditions and restrictions imposed by the Optometrists Board, including a requirement for co-management and referral of patients with particular conditions.
