Each State's Scope of Practice Laws in One Infographic

To help make sense of the varied and sometimes confusing scope of practice laws throughout the country, NewGradOptometry.com's Quy Nguyen, OD, and founder Matt Geller, OD, have developed an infographic clearly stating what each state allows.

Authority to administer certain care such as oral prescriptions, glaucoma treatment, injections and laser procedures vary by state and are subject to change. The best way for ODs to stay aware of their state regulations and make sure they are practicing to their fullest extent, Nguyen says, is to join their state association—but for now, this infographic should help provide the necessary information.

Check out this infographic for a U.S. map that compares the current scope of practice in each state. In addition, a milestone timeline shows the progress optometry has made since the Optical Society of the State of New York—later to become the AOA—was formed in 1896.