Supervision

(1) Supervision by Optometrist or Ophthalmologist Required – T.C.A. § 63-14-102 provides that a dispensing optician may not fit contact lenses except in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. In accordance with the statutory requirement, the following procedures shall be followed in filling a prescription for contact lenses: (a) Upon delivery of a written prescription by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, the dispensing optician performs the necessary mechanical operations to prepare the lenses in conformity with the prescription. (b) The licensed dispensing optician will deliver the contact lenses to the patient and inform of the potential need to return to the office of the ophthalmologist or optometrist to ascertain proper fitting and for follow-up care. (c) The dispensing optician shall instruct the patient to keep in contact with his ophthalmologist or optometrist and that any problems whatsoever should be diagnosed by the ophthalmologist or optometrist. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING DISPENSING OPTICIANS CHAPTER 0480-01 (2) Instructions – Although the ophthalmologist or optometrist will instruct the patient on methods of insertion and removal of the contact lenses, the dispensing optician shall thoroughly instruct the patient on the use and care of the contact lenses. (3) Full-time Supervision – Any office of a licensed dispensing optician, partnership or corporation which engages in optical dispensing must have a duly licensed dispensing optician on duty in each and every establishment; no office of a licensed dispensing optician, partnership or corporation shall offer technical optical dispensing services to the public unless a duly licensed dispensing optician is physically present.