title: Increased scope of practice: a survey of Missouri doctors of optometry.
abstract: This study attempts to assess the effects on the Missouri optometric community resultant from the recent expansion in the scope of practice to include the management of ocular disease with pharmaceutical agents. A majority of those responding reported they felt comfortable in providing such services. They also reported an increase in income and patient retention. Improved relations with ophthalmologists and a greater willingness to comanage patients were perceived by some as other benefits. Over half of the respondents have received referrals from primary care physicians for therapeutic services.
authors.affiliation: School of Optometry, University of Missouri-St. Louis 63121.
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: McAlister
mesh_terms: D002568:Certification; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008923:Missouri; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009907:Optometry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence
chemical_list: D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions