Use of diagnostic pharmaceuticals
Wis. Stat. § 449.17
in effect(1) Applicability. An optometrist may use topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents only if the optometrist establishes a plan specified in sub. (2) and if one of the following applies:
(a) The examining board initially issues a license to practice optometry to the optometrist on or after August 1, 2006.
(b) The department issued a certificate to the optometrist under s. 449.17, 2003 stats.
(c) The examining board issues a certificate under sub. (1m) to an optometrist issued a license to practice optometry before August 1, 2006.
(1m) Licenses issued before august 1, 2006.
(a) The examining board shall certify an optometrist to use topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents if the optometrist was issued a license to practice optometry before August 1, 2006, and the optometrist satisfies the education requirements under par. (b) and successfully completes an examination under par. (c).
(b) In addition to the requirements under par. (c), the examining board may issue certificates under par. (a) only to optometrists who successfully complete 60 classroom hours of study in general and ocular pharmacology as it relates to optometry with particular emphasis on the use of topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents. At least 30 of the 60 classroom hours of study shall be in ocular pharmacology and shall emphasize the systemic effects of and reactions to pharmaceutical agents, including the treatment of any adverse reactions that may occur. The course of study shall be offered by an institution approved by the examining board and accredited by a regional or professional accrediting organization which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or its successor or the federal department of education, and shall be completed prior to entering the examination required under par. (c).
(c) The examining board may issue certificates under par. (a) only to optometrists who successfully complete an examination approved or conducted by the examining board on the subject of general and ocular pharmacology as it relates to optometry with particular emphasis on the use of topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents, including the treatment of adverse reactions to such pharmaceutical agents. The examination shall be prepared or approved by the examining board. The examining board shall periodically review the validity, reliability, and appropriateness of the examination. The examining board may do any of the following:
1. Prepare, administer, and grade the examination.
2. Approve in whole or in part an examination prepared, administered, and graded by the national board of examiners in optometry or another examination provider approved by the examining board.
3. Approve and administer an examination prepared and graded by or under the direction of the national board of examiners in optometry or another examination provider approved by the examining board.
(d) No fee may be charged for a certificate issued under this subsection. A certificate issued under this subsection or s. 449.17, 2003 stats., remains in effect while the optometrist’s license to practice optometry remains in effect unless the certificate is suspended or revoked by the examining board.
(2) Plan. Topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents may be used only by optometrists who have established a plan for the referral of patients who experience adverse reactions from the application of such agents to appropriate medical services.
(5) The secretary shall, after consultation with the examining board, the medical examining board and the pharmacy examining board, promulgate rules specifying the topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents which optometrists may utilize in this state.
(8) Reimbursement prohibited. No optometrist may be reimbursed under s. 49.46 (2) (a) 3. or 49.471 (11) for any increase in charges or separate charge which is attributable to the use of topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/449.17Fetched: 10/7/2026