Optometric therapeutic competency standards 2000.

BACKGROUND

Competency standards for entry-level to the profession of optometry in Australia were first developed in 1993 and then revised in 1997. The competencies require that optometrists entering the profession have the skills to use ocular diagnostic drugs but did not consider the prescription of topical therapeutic ocular drugs by optometrists. Following the introduction of legislation in the Australian state of Victoria that permitted optometrists to be licensed by the relevant state registration board to prescribe topical therapeutic ocular medication, Optometrists Association Australia (OAA) was asked to develop therapeutic competency standards that could be used in the assessment of the suitability of optometrists for such licensing. METHODS: Expert members of the profession and representatives from optometry schools, registration boards in Australia and New Zealand, state divisions of OAA and the New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO) were consulted in the process of developing these standards. RESULTS: Nine new performance criteria with associated indicators, within Units 3 and 5 of the revised entry-level standards, were developed. Additions were made to the indicators for 25 of the previously developed performance criteria (within all six original units of competency). The modified therapeutic competency standards were adopted on behalf of the profession by the National Council of OAA in March 2000. DISCUSSION: These therapeutic competency standards may be used as a basis for licensing authorities to develop an assessment process to determine suitability of optometrists for licensing to prescribe topical therapeutic ocular medications. At this stage, the therapeutic competencies cannot be regarded as entry-level competencies in Australia but as second-tier competencies. However, it is anticipated that the therapeutic competencies will come to be regarded as entry-level over the coming years.