To download a printable version of the 2001 Senate and House list in Word 2000 format, right click HERE , specify to save the target to a location you specify on your local drive. Like it or not, politics has become a major influence in our efforts to promote cost effective primary eye care in Oregon. On January 8th, the 2001 Legislative Session began. For the first time in two decades, the Legislature will face a budget shortfall. OOPA s key issue this session is to seek adoption of legislation to allow optometric physicians to prescribe oral medications.
Many eye conditions require more pharmaceutical intervention than topical medicine can provide.
Optometric physicians are trained in the use, science and understanding of these medications. However, unlike 37 others states, Oregon prevents optometric physicians from prescribing oral medications for their patients. Introduced by OOPA, SB 45 would permit optometric physicians to prescribe oral medications when appropriate for better patient care and management of eye conditions. Adoption of SB 45 would enhance patient care, provide more effective healthcare, enhance patient access, improve treatment of glaucoma for patients and bring optometric physician law in Oregon into line with most other states. While OOPA s government affairs advocate serves as a watchdog in Salem, there is much more that must be done if we hope to accomplish the goals stated above.