What is NOT a pharmaceutical agent that can be prescribed?

Oral anti-metabolites are not classified as pharmaceutical agents that can be prescribed by optometrists. In optometry, practitioners are limited to certain categories of medications that are considered safe and effective for managing ocular conditions. While oral antihistamines, oral diamox (acetazolamide), and auto-injector epinephrine (epi pens) are medications that optometrists can prescribe to address specific health issues or reactions, anti-metabolites are typically associated with more complex treatments related to systemic diseases, such as cancer, and fall outside the scope of optometric practice.

This distinction is critical because it underscores the regulatory frameworks in place that define and limit the prescribing capabilities of optometrists to ensure patient safety and proper treatment protocols within their area of expertise. Therefore, the correct identification of oral anti-metabolites as not being prescribable by optometrists is in line with the broader context of their prescribing authority.