2021 Tennessee Code
Chapter 8 - Optometry Law
§ 63-8-102. Chapter Definitions

As used in this chapter unless the context otherwise requires:
All optometrists practicing in this state are prohibited from using nondiagnostic ophthalmic lasers. All optometrists practicing in this state are also prohibited from performing cataract surgery or any surgical procedure requiring other than a topical anesthetic. All optometrists practicing in this state are also prohibited from performing radial keratotomy;
Any optometrist practicing under the authority of this section shall be held to the same standards of care as that of other physicians providing similar services. No optometrist shall practice under this section unless and until the optometrist has submitted to the board evidence of satisfactory completion of all education requirements of § 63-8-112 and has been certified by the board as educationally qualified;
One who is engaged in the practice of optometry as a profession, as hereinabove defined, and who has sufficient education and professional competence, as determined by the board, and who has transcript credit of at least six (6) quarter hours in a course or courses in general and ocular pharmacology, with particular emphasis on diagnostic pharmaceutical agents applied topically to the eye, from a college or university accredited by a regional or professional accreditation organization that is recognized or approved by the board, is authorized to utilize in connection therewith diagnostic pharmaceutical agents (miotics, mydriatics, cycloplegics and anesthetics) applied topically only;
“Principal office” means the office location so designated by the optometrist involved; provided, that such office is the location at which the optometrist engages in the majority of the optometrist's practice;
“Standard examination” means the examination prescribed by § 63-8-115; and
“State” means any of the fifty (50) states of the union, the District of Columbia and territories of the United States.

Structure 2021 Tennessee Code