Pursuant to Section 20-127(d), Connecticut General Statutes, Connecticut-licensed optometrists are permitted to engage in the practice of advanced optometric care as defined in Section 20-127(1) only after the licensee has:

 

Successfully completed a minimum of seventy-five classroom hours and fifty-one clinical hours in the study of advanced optometric care that includes the treatment of deficiencies, deformities, diseases or abnormalities of the human eye, including anterior segment disease, lacrimology and glaucoma conducted by a duly accredited school or college of optometry or medical school;

 

Passed an examination as administered by the accredited school or college of optometry or medical school that conducted the course of study; and

 

Met the requirements that permit them to acquire and use Diagnotistic Ocular agents and to acquire, administer, dispense and prescribe Therapeutic Ocular agents.

 

The Department of Public Health does not issue an authorization to practice Advanced Optometric Care. It is the responsibility of each optometrist engaging in this activity to ensure that requirements have been met, maintain appropriate documentation of same and notify this office of such intent at the time of application for licensure or by checking the appropriate question on the renewal application.

 

Licensed optometrists who are authorized practice AOC must post in a conspicuous location in each office waiting room, a standardized notice stating that the optometrist is authorized to practice AOC within the scope of his/her practice.  For your information, the Department recommends the use of the following standardized language: