30 Miss. Code. R. 2901-1.4.5 - Primary Eyecare Procedure Certification

Mississippi State Board of Optometry requires certification to perform primary eye care procedures and certain administration. The certification process will include the credentialing process to perform the authorized ophthalmic surgery procedure YAG laser posterior capsulotomy and require:

(a) Provides proof of holding a Mississippi license to practice therapeutic optometry and is in good standing;

(b) Provides proof of satisfactory completion of a course of instruction as approved by the board. Those graduating from an accredited school or college of optometry within five (5) years after the effective date of this act may be excluded from course completion requirement, provided that the candidate has successfully passed appropriate coursework to fulfill requirements as determined by the board.

The board-approved course of instruction shall be:

(i) Provided by an accredited optometry, osteopathy or medical school and not completed before May 1,2021.

(ii) To be completed in a time that is no longer than two years before final certification date

(iii) A minimum of thirty-two (32) clock hours in length that includes at least 6 hours in hands on laboratory work.

a. laser physics, hazards, and safety;

b. biophysics of lasers;

c. laser application on clinical optometry;

d. laser tissue interactions;

e. laser indications, contraindications, and potential complications;

f. gonioscopy;

g. laser applications in glaucoma care;

h. YAG application in primary eye care

i. YAG laser posterior capsulotomy;

j. common complications: lids, lashes, lacrimal system;

k. medicolegal aspects of anterior segment procedures;

l. minor surgical procedures;

m. overview of surgical instruments, asepsis, and O.S.H.A.;

n. surgical anatomy of the eyelids;

o. emergency surgical procedures;

p. chalazion management;

q. epiluminesence microscopy;

r. local anesthesia: techniques and complications;

s. injectable pharmaceuticals in primary eye care;

t. anaphylaxis and other office emergencies;

u. radiofrequency surgery;

v. post-operative wound care;

w. suturing;

x. clinical/lab work

(iv) Sponsored by an organization approved by the board

(c) Satisfactorily completes a written test approved by the board on aspects pertaining to primary eye care procedures including YAG laser posterior capsulotomy and injectable pharmaceuticals. Passage of the state board written exam or the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, Laser and Surgical Procedures Examination, and Injection Skills Examination will be accepted.

(d) Passes a clinical skills assessment as it pertains to Yag laser posterior capsulotomy that is approved by the board;

(e) Participates in eight (8) additional hours of working under a preceptor who is either an ophthalmologist or licensed credentialed optometrist. The preceptor must be licensed to perform the ophthalmic YAG laser posterior capsulotomy procedures, and the training shall occur within the state in which the preceptor is licensed to perform such procedures. The preceptorship must be completed within 3 months of passage of skills assessment.

(f) 32 hour course exemptions may be considered for qualifying optometry graduates from 2022 and after, if candidates' institution has signed and filed an affidavit attesting to curriculum inclusion of such course equivalent. The exemption is good for a period of two years from graduation date to certification date.

(g) In case of failure, the Board will make available a re-test within 90 days. In case of a second failure, the applicant must repeat the certification process, including all fees.

(h) Such other requirements as may be determined by the Board.

Notes

30 Miss. Code. R. 2901-1.4.5

Miss Code Ann. § 73-19-9 Section 73-19-1

Adopted 11/21/2022