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U.K. considering allowing optometrists to prescribe some ocular drugs

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The U.K. Department of Health and the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency are considering proposals that could allow optometrists to prescribe certain ocular medications, according to a press release.

Optometrists can already supply some medications to patients in the U.K. If the proposals receive support from the U.K. Commission on Human Medicines, optometrists would be able to prescribe drugs to treat eye infections. They would also be allowed to take full responsibility for managing certain patients in NHS hospitals, although they would receive additional training.

The proposals are currently awaiting completion of a 3-month consultation period, according to the release.