(A) The following apply to an optometrist licensed on or before May 19, 1992, who is seeking a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certificate under division (A)(3) of section 4725.13 of the Revised Code:

(1) If the optometrist does not hold a valid topical ocular pharmaceutical agents certificate, the optometrist shall complete the course of study in general and ocular pharmacology prescribed by the board under division (B)(1) of this section, a three clock-hour course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and pass the portion of the optometry licensing examination accepted by the board under section 4725.11 of the Revised Code that pertains to the treatment and management of ocular disease.

(2) If the optometrist holds a valid topical ocular pharmaceutical agents certificate, the optometrist shall complete the course of study in general and ocular pharmacology prescribed under division (B)(2) of this section and pass the portion of the optometry licensing examination accepted by the board under section 4725.11 of the Revised Code that pertains to the treatment and management of ocular disease.

(B) The board shall prescribe by rule the following courses of study:

(1) An eighty-seven clock-hour course of study to be completed at an institution accredited by a post-secondary education accrediting organization recognized by the board. The course of study shall include instruction in at least the following:

(a) General and ocular pharmacology, including the nature of adverse reactions caused by pharmaceutical agents and emergency steps to be taken in such cases;

(b) Signs, symptoms, and treatment of ocular disease, injury, or abnormality;

(c) Ocular signs and symptoms of systemic disease;

(d) Appropriate criteria for referrals to physicians.

(2) A thirty clock-hour course of study that emphasizes the treatment of ocular disease to be completed at an institution accredited by a post-secondary education accreditation organization that is recognized by the board.

Effective Date: 03-09-1999 .