(A) An optometrist may not establish a pharmacy in an optometry office or sell pharmaceutical agents prescribed in treatment unless there is a licensed pharmacist on staff and present when these prescriptions are filled. However, nothing in this section or in any other provision of law prohibits a licensed optometrist from administering or supplying pharmaceutical agents to a patient, without charge for the pharmaceutical agents, to initiate appropriate treatment.
(B) Notwithstanding subsection (A) or any other provision of law, an optometrist may purchase, possess, administer, sell, prescribe, or dispense contact lenses, contact lens solutions, and topically applied dyes.
(C) For purposes of this chapter "supply" is limited to pharmaceutical agents given to a patient by an optometrist for the purpose of initiating treatment until the patient's prescription can be filled by a registered pharmacist.
HISTORY: 2005 Act No. 135, Section 1.
Editor's Note
Prior Laws:1993 Act No. 65, Section 2; 1976 Code Section 40-37-106.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 40 - Professions and Occupations
Section 40-37-5. Application of chapter; conflicts of law.
Section 40-37-20. Definitions.
Section 40-37-30. Licensing requirement; practice of optometry.
Section 40-37-40. Powers and duties of board; seal.
Section 40-37-50. Administration of board; assessment, collection and adjustment of fees.
Section 40-37-80. Investigation of complaints; administration of oaths; subpoena of documents.
Section 40-37-90. Investigation results presented to board; disciplinary action.
Section 40-37-100. Civil penalties and injunctive relief.
Section 40-37-110. Grounds for discipline; suspension of license on finding of mental incompetence.
Section 40-37-115. Jurisdiction.
Section 40-37-120. Basis for disciplinary action.
Section 40-37-150. Voluntary surrender of license.
Section 40-37-170. Assessment of investigation and prosecution costs.
Section 40-37-180. Payment and collection of costs.
Section 40-37-190. Confidentiality.
Section 40-37-200. Penalties for unlawful practice.
Section 40-37-230. Denial of license.
Section 40-37-235. Denial of license on basis of prior criminal record.
Section 40-37-240. Licensure requirements; display, renewal, and reinstatement of license.
Section 40-37-245. Licensure by endorsement; requirements.
Section 40-37-290. Purchasing, prescribing, and administering pharmaceutical agents.
Section 40-37-310. Referrals for treatment of eye diseases; glaucoma treatment; eye surgery.
Section 40-37-325. Multiple offices; display of license.
Section 40-37-350. Exceptions from application of chapter.
Section 40-37-360. Price of eyeglasses.
Section 40-37-370. Maintenance of laboratory.
Section 40-37-390. Unlawful advertising practices.