Overview
The Council on Optometric Non-topical Formulary is a multidisciplinary group established by Oregon law to determine which pharmaceutical substances may be used by licensed optometrists in Oregon.
The Council evaluates medications and develops recommendations to help ensure that optometrists can safely and effectively treat patients within the scope of state law, including
Oregon Statute 683.240.
Role and Responsibilities
The Council is responsible for:
- Reviewing pharmaceutical agents used in optometric care
- Determining which non-topical medications may be included in the formulary
- Supporting safe and appropriate treatment standards for patients
The formulary developed by the Council helps define what medications optometrists may use when diagnosing and treating conditions of the eye, as outlined in
Oregon Statute 683.240.
How the Formulary Is Used
The optometric non-topical formulary is part of Oregon’s regulatory framework for optometry. It works alongside administrative rules and Board oversight to help define:
- Which medications may be prescribed or administered
- The conditions under which those medications may be used
- The limits of optometric practice related to pharmaceutical agents
This framework supports patient safety while allowing optometrists to provide appropriate care in accordance with
state law.
Council Membership
The Council includes representatives from multiple healthcare and regulatory fields to provide balanced expertise. Members include:
- A member of the Oregon Board of Optometry
- A licensed Oregon pharmacist
- A member of the Oregon Medical Board
- A physician
- A practicing optometrist
- Faculty from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
- Faculty from an accredited optometry program
This multidisciplinary structure helps ensure that decisions reflect a range of medical and professional perspectives.
Why This Matters
The Council’s work helps:
- Maintain patient safety
- Support appropriate use of medications in eye care
- Keep Oregon’s optometry regulations current with medical standards
By reviewing and updating the formulary in alignment with
Oregon Statute 683.240,
the Council supports both licensees and the public.
Additional Information
For more information about optometric laws, rules, and scope of practice, please visit the Oregon Board of Optometry’s administrative rules and related resources pages.