Competence in use of Diagnostic Pharmaceutical Agents (DPAs)
When the optometry scope of practice was set, the scope included (among others), these three tasks:
Examination of the eye and visual system
Detection, measurement and diagnosis of variations, anomalies, defects and diseases of the eyes, adnexae and visual system and
Patient management including any or all of the following: treatment including prescribing; therapy; referral; review; rehabilitation; education; counselling & advice
Every task in the scope of practice has elements and performance indicators associated with it. Included in the performance indicators for the task of examination of the eye and visual system above, is:
screening for disease: (including)
gonioscopy
direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy (including binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (BIO) and indirect (slit lamp) fundoscopy using a 90D or similar lens).
These techniques were specifically recognised as facilitating the optometrist’s capacity to examine the eye in order to be able to make a diagnosis and manage the patient appropriately.
The Board set standards and recognised certain qualifications as illustrating competence in the above techniques. The Board also introduced a recertification programme (as per section 41 of the HPCA Act) to ensure that optometrists who had not previously shown competence in these areas had a pathway to do so. The cut-off date for optometrists to prove competence in this area is 31 March 2010. To date a group of practising optometrists are yet to complete such a programme. The Board may consider suspending individual practitioners' registration under section 43 of the HPCA Act if they have not satisfied the requirements of the DPA recertification programme by 31 March 2010.
The programme available is the Department of Optometry and Vision Science (DOVS), the University of Auckland endorsement programme in DPAs. This programme is in two parts: a didactic (or theory) distance based learning component with an assessment at its completion; and a practical component that culminates in an Objective Structured Competence Examination (OSCE) in gonioscopy, BIO, and slit lamp fundoscopy.
Exemptions
However, registered optometrists in New Zealand come from many backgrounds of education and experience and the Board recognises that some optometrists, although not holding the relevant Board approved qualification(s) may be eligible for an exemption to either the didactic or the practical component of the DOVS endorsement programme (or to both) because of previous education (or experience).
Details of the avenues for exemption and a link to the application for an exemption forms are available below.
DPA Didactic Component
Didactic courses have been run through the DOVS throughout the recertification programme. The last course commenced in July 2009.
Exemptions from didactic component
Optometrists with an MBCO/MCOptom can apply for an exemption from the didactic component, using the Written exemption form.
Optometrists who have successfully completed OPTOM 781 at the University of Auckland can apply for an exemption from the didactic component by providing written confirmation from DOVS that the applicant has met the requirements for a pass in OPTOM 781.
DPA Practical Component
The practical component can be completed through the DOVS Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). This will be available on various dates - please see the DOVS website for further information. Please see below for information on the OSCEs.
OSCE assessment templates May 2007
Exemptions from practical component
Alternatively, you can choose to have an Ophthalmologist sign a declaration that you are competent in the examination techniques required with effective use of DPAs. The Ophthalmologist must meet certain requirements for registration as a specialist ophthalmologist with the Medical Council of New Zealand. Please refer to the ophthalmologist declaration form below.
Ophthalmologist declaration - for exemption from the practical component.
Optometrists who have successfully completed OPTOM 784 at the University of Auckland can apply for an exemption from the practical component by providing written confirmation from DOVS that the applicant has met the requirements for a pass in OPTOM 784.
SUPERVISION GUIDELINES FOR OPTOMETRISTS WITHOUT DPA ENDORSEMENT
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