Arizona State Board Of Optometry Practice Exam

Which of the following anti-infectives can be prescribed by an optometrist?

1. Tetracycline and its derivatives

2. Oral anti-fungal

3. Schedule 1 substances

4. Injectables

The correct answer is: Tetracycline and its derivatives

Optometrists have the authority to prescribe certain medications, including some anti-infectives, as part of their practice to manage various eye conditions. Tetracycline and its derivatives fall into the category of oral antibiotics that are commonly used to treat bacterial infections of the eye, such as blepharitis or certain conjunctival infections. This is significant because optometrists are trained to diagnose and manage various ocular diseases, and having the ability to prescribe tetracycline enables them to provide comprehensive care to patients. In contrast, while oral antifungals are useful in the treatment of fungal infections, their prescription often requires more specialized training in the management of systemic issues that could arise from these infections, which generally falls outside the typical scope of practice for optometrists. Schedule 1 substances, being highly restricted due to their potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use, are not permissible for prescription by optometrists. Injectables, which can include a range of drugs such as corticosteroids or certain antibiotics, typically require advanced training and may not be within the normative prescribing practices of optometrists unless they have additional credentials. Thus, the choice of tetracycline and its derivatives as a prescription option reflects the established guidelines and scope of practice for opt