A twelve quarter quantitative analysis of ophthalmic drugs prescription-writing by optometrists in the United States

• Main Authors: Gonzalez AL, Lakhani R, Bennett N, De Paz C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2014-03-01
• Series: Clinical Optometry
• Online Access: http://www.dovepress.com/a-twelve-quarter-quantitative-analysis-of-ophthalmic-drugs-prescriptio-a16006

Agustin L Gonzalez, Rakesh Lakhani, Nikki Bennett, Clarissa De Paz School of Optometry, InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico, Bayamon, Puerto Rico Abstract: The traditional role of optometry has been the performance of refractions with the intent to correct vision disorders. In the US, optometry accounts for over two thirds of eye care-related visits. Optometrists have had the privilege of prescribing medications for many years and have been known to manage eye diseases. With no quantitative data known about optometrists’ involvement in managing diseases of the eye, this study describes the trend of ophthalmic drug prescription-writing by optometrists in the US over a 12 quarter period (comprising a 3 year period). Keywords: prescription pattern, optometry, pharmaceutical utilization, ophthalmic medications