To
qualify for glaucoma treatment licensing, currently certified diagnostic and
therapeutic licensees in Kansas must co-manage open angle glaucoma patients with
a board certified Ophthalmologist. The
diagnosis must be confirmed by an Ophthalmologist, and a treatment plan signed
by the Ophthalmologist submitted to the Board of Examiners in Optometry. Prescription of topical ocular pharmaceuticals for treatment
of adult open angle glaucoma is allowed only if an approved treatment plan is a
part of the patient record.
The
process for applying for glaucoma licensing includes co-managing at least twenty
(20) patients for at least two years. The
two-year co-management period begins when the first treatment plan is submitted
to the Board. The twenty (20) patients must be a mix of
glaucoma suspects and at least (10) confirmed cases of adult open angle
glaucoma. The treatment plans must
be submitted to the Board on the approved reporting form.
In each year of co-management, an annual report must be submitted on May
31st on the approved reporting form listing each case submitted to the Board.
The annual reporting form should reflect all cases that have been co-managed
within that calendar year beginning with case number one (1).
A
twenty-four (24) hour course in the treatment and co-management of adult
open-angle glaucoma is also required for licensing.
This is in addition to the twenty-four hours of continuing education
required each year for license renewal.
By
the end of the co-management period, proof must be furnished to the Board that
professional liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 is maintained.
The Board of Examiners in Optometry will review the glaucoma co-management file for license approval when two years has lapsed since submittal of the first case, twenty (20) cases have been submitted to the board, and an application with license fee is submitted.