The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7302 p698
5 June 2004

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Consultation letter MLX 306 (Microsoft Word document)
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New prescribing and supply role for optometrists

Plans to give optometrists a wider role in the administration, supply and sale of medicines have been put out for consultation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Consultation letter MLX306 says that the range of medicines that optometrists can sell, supply and administer is to be updated, to remove obsolete products and add others, such as fusidic acid preparations as an alternative to chloramphenicol for eye infections.

It is also proposed that optometrists who have been specifically trained should be allowed to sell or supply in an emergency, and privately prescribe, a range of prescription-only medicines to treat infections and allergic conditions.

Currently, optometrists can sell or supply any pharmacy or general sale list medicine related to their professional practice in an emergency. The emergency restriction is to be removed.