Sec. 351.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:

(1) "Adnexa" means the lids and drainage system of the eye.

(2) "Board" means the Texas Optometry Board.

(3) "Dispensing optician" or "ophthalmic dispenser" means a person who:

(A) is not an optometrist, therapeutic optometrist, or licensed physician; and

(B) sells or delivers to the consumer ophthalmic devices, including fabricated and finished spectacle lenses, frames, and contact lenses, prescribed by an optometrist, therapeutic optometrist, or licensed physician.

(4) "Optometrist" means a person licensed under this chapter and authorized to practice optometry.

(5) "Person" means an individual, association of individuals, trustee, receiver, partnership, corporation, or organization or the manager, agent, servant, or employee of any of those entities.

(6) "Practice of optometry" means using objective or subjective means, with or without the use of topical ocular pharmaceutical agents, to:

(A) determine or measure the powers of vision of the human eye as provided by Section 351.355;

(B) examine or diagnose visual defects, abnormal conditions, or diseases of the human eye or adnexa; or

(C) prescribe or fit lenses or prisms to correct or remedy a defect or abnormal condition of vision as provided by Section 351.356.

(7) "Practice of therapeutic optometry" means using objective or subjective means, not including surgery or laser surgery, to:

(A) determine or measure the powers of vision of the human eye as provided by Section 351.355;

(B) examine or diagnose visual defects, abnormal conditions, or diseases of the human eye or adnexa;

(C) prescribe or fit lenses or prisms to correct or remedy a defect or abnormal condition of vision as provided by Section 351.356;

(D) administer or prescribe a drug or physical treatment in the manner authorized by this chapter; or

(E) treat the visual system, including the eye or adnexa as authorized by this chapter.

(8) "Surgery" means a procedure using instruments, including lasers, scalpels, or needles, in which human tissue is cut, burned, vaporized, or otherwise altered by any mechanical means, laser, or ionizing radiation. The term includes procedures using instruments that require closing by suturing, clamping, or another device. The term does not include a noninvasive procedure to remove a superficial foreign body in the conjunctiva, eyelid, or corneal epithelium that has not perforated the Bowman's membrane.

(9) "Therapeutic optometrist" means a person licensed under this chapter and authorized to practice therapeutic optometry.

Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 14.151(a), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.