Which entity is responsible for regulating pharmaceutical agents in optometry?

The Optometry Board is the entity responsible for regulating pharmaceutical agents in optometry. This board oversees various aspects of optometry, including the licensing of optometrists and the regulations governing their practice, which includes the use and prescription of pharmaceutical agents. Their role ensures that optometrists adhere to state laws and professional standards regarding the safe and effective use of medications in the treatment of eye conditions, thereby protecting public health and ensuring quality care for patients.

The authority of the Optometry Board is crucial because it not only sets the guidelines for the scope of practice but also implements training and competency assessments for optometrists to prescribe medications. This oversight allows for consistent and regulated practices across the state, aligning with established health and safety protocols.

Other entities, such as the Department of Health Services and the Attorney General's Office, may influence health policy or enforce laws, but they do not specifically regulate the practice of optometry and its associated pharmaceutical usage. The State Legislature creates the laws, but it is the Optometry Board that administers and enforces regulations specifically related to the practice of optometry and the use of medications therein.