{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-3201.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-3201.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-3201.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-3201.html"}],"law_id":72925,"edition_id":1,"section_id":72925,"structure_id":15566,"section_number":"54.1-3201","catch_line":"What constitutes practice of optometry","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 54-368; 1988, cc. 243, 737, 765; 2022, cc. 16, 17.","full_text":"A\n\nThe practice of optometry includes:1\n\nExamination of the human eye to ascertain the presence of defects or abnormal conditions that may be corrected or relieved by the use of lenses, prisms or ocular exercises, or visual training or orthoptics and the prescribing or adapting of lenses, prisms or ocular exercises, or visual training or orthoptics for the correction, relief, remediation, or prevention of such conditions;2\n\nEmployment of any subjective or objective mechanism to determine the accommodative or refractive states of the human eye or range or power of vision of the human eye;3\n\nUse of testing appliances for the purpose of the measurement of the powers of vision;4\n\nExamination, diagnosis, and optometric treatment in accordance with this chapter of conditions and visual or muscular anomalies of the human eye;5\n\nEvaluation, examination, diagnosis, and treatment of abnormal or diseased conditions of the human eye and its adnexa by the use of medically recognized and appropriate devices, procedures, or technologies;6\n\nPreoperative and postoperative care related to the human eye and adnexa; and7\n\nUse of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents set forth in § 54.1-3221.B\n\nExcept as provided in \u00a7\u00a7 54.1-3222 and 54.1-3225, the practice of optometry does not include treatment through:1\n\nSurgery, including:\n\t\t\t\ta. Retina laser procedures; laser procedures into the vitreous chamber of the eye to treat vitreous, retinal, or macular disease; laser in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy eye surgery; or other laser surgery;\n\t\t\t\tb. Penetrating keratoplasty and corneal transplants;\n\t\t\t\tc. Surgery (i) related to removal of the eye; (ii) requiring a full-thickness incision or excision of the cornea or sclera; (iii) requiring physical incision of the iris and ciliary body, including the diathermy, and cryotherapy; (iv) requiring incision of the vitreous humor or retina; (v) requiring full-thickness conjunctivoplasty with a graft or flap; (vi) of the eyelid for incisional cosmetic or functional repair, or blepharochalasis, ptosis, or tarsorrhaphy treatment; (vii) of the bony orbit, including orbital implants; (viii) requiring surgical extraction of the crystalline lens; or (ix) requiring surgical anterior or posterior chamber intraocular implants; or\n\t\t\t\td. Incisional or excisional surgery of the (i) extraocular muscles; (ii) lacrimal system, other than probing or related procedures; or (iii) pterygium surgery;2\n\nCryotherapy of the ciliary body;3\n\nIodizing radiation;4\n\nThe use of injections, including venipuncture and intravenous injections;5\n\nAdministration of or surgery using general anesthesia; or6\n\nOther invasive modalities.C\n\nAn optometrist may (i) treat certain diseases or abnormal conditions of the human eye and its adnexa with certain therapeutic pharmaceutical agents as permitted under this chapter and (ii) administer intramuscular epinephrine for the treatment of emergency cases of anaphylactic shock.D\n\nAny person who in any way advertises himself as an optometrist or uses the title of doctor of optometry (O.D.) or any other letters or title in connection with his name which in any way conveys the impression that he is engaged in the practice of optometry shall be deemed to be practicing optometry within the meaning of this chapter.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":262678,"text":"The practice of optometry includes:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":262679,"text":"Examination of the human eye to ascertain the presence of defects or abnormal conditions that may be corrected or relieved by the use of lenses, prisms or ocular exercises, or visual training or orthoptics and the prescribing or adapting of lenses, prisms or ocular exercises, or visual training or orthoptics for the correction, relief, remediation, or prevention of such conditions;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":262680,"text":"Employment of any subjective or objective mechanism to determine the accommodative or refractive states of the human eye or range or power of vision of the human eye;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":262681,"text":"Use of testing appliances for the purpose of the measurement of the powers of vision;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":262682,"text":"Examination, diagnosis, and optometric treatment in accordance with this chapter of conditions and visual or muscular anomalies of the human eye;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":262683,"text":"Evaluation, examination, diagnosis, and treatment of abnormal or diseased conditions of the human eye and its adnexa by the use of medically recognized and appropriate devices, procedures, or technologies;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":262684,"text":"Preoperative and postoperative care related to the human eye and adnexa; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"A7"},"7":{"id":262685,"text":"Use of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents set forth in § 54.1-3221.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"A7","prefix_anchor":"A7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"B"},"8":{"id":262686,"text":"Except as provided in \u00a7\u00a7 54.1-3222 and 54.1-3225, the practice of optometry does not include treatment through:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A7","next_prefix":"B1"},"9":{"id":262687,"text":"Surgery, including:\n\t\t\t\ta. Retina laser procedures; laser procedures into the vitreous chamber of the eye to treat vitreous, retinal, or macular disease; laser in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy eye surgery; or other laser surgery;\n\t\t\t\tb. Penetrating keratoplasty and corneal transplants;\n\t\t\t\tc. Surgery (i) related to removal of the eye; (ii) requiring a full-thickness incision or excision of the cornea or sclera; (iii) requiring physical incision of the iris and ciliary body, including the diathermy, and cryotherapy; (iv) requiring incision of the vitreous humor or retina; (v) requiring full-thickness conjunctivoplasty with a graft or flap; (vi) of the eyelid for incisional cosmetic or functional repair, or blepharochalasis, ptosis, or tarsorrhaphy treatment; (vii) of the bony orbit, including orbital implants; (viii) requiring surgical extraction of the crystalline lens; or (ix) requiring surgical anterior or posterior chamber intraocular implants; or\n\t\t\t\td. Incisional or excisional surgery of the (i) extraocular muscles; (ii) lacrimal system, other than probing or related procedures; or (iii) pterygium surgery;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"10":{"id":262688,"text":"Cryotherapy of the ciliary body;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"11":{"id":262689,"text":"Iodizing radiation;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"12":{"id":262690,"text":"The use of injections, including venipuncture and intravenous injections;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"13":{"id":262691,"text":"Administration of or surgery using general anesthesia; or","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"14":{"id":262692,"text":"Other invasive modalities.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"C"},"15":{"id":262693,"text":"An optometrist may (i) treat certain diseases or abnormal conditions of the human eye and its adnexa with certain therapeutic pharmaceutical agents as permitted under this chapter and (ii) administer intramuscular epinephrine for the treatment of emergency cases of anaphylactic shock.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B6","next_prefix":"D"},"16":{"id":262694,"text":"Any person who in any way advertises himself as an optometrist or uses the title of doctor of optometry (O.D.) or any other letters or title in connection with his name which in any way conveys the impression that he is engaged in the practice of optometry shall be deemed to be practicing optometry within the meaning of this chapter.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15566,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13078,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:56:22","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:56:22","permalink":{"id":242973,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15566,"identifier":"1","token":"54.1\/III\/32\/1","url":"\/54.1\/III\/32\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13078,"edition_id":1,"name":"Optometry","identifier":"32","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12758,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:14","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:14","permalink":{"id":242971,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13078,"identifier":"32","token":"54.1\/III\/32","url":"\/54.1\/III\/32\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12758,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards Within the Department of Health Professions","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":241105,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12758,"identifier":"III","token":"54.1\/III","url":"\/54.1\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":84550,"structure_id":15566,"section_number":"54.1-3200","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-3200\/","token":"54.1\/III\/32\/1\/54.1-3200","metadata":false},{"id":72925,"structure_id":15566,"section_number":"54.1-3201","catch_line":"What constitutes practice of optometry","url":"\/54.1-3201\/","token":"54.1\/III\/32\/1\/54.1-3201","metadata":false},{"id":63227,"structure_id":15566,"section_number":"54.1-3202","catch_line":"Exemptions","url":"\/54.1-3202\/","token":"54.1\/III\/32\/1\/54.1-3202","metadata":false},{"id":79009,"structure_id":15566,"section_number":"54.1-3203","catch_line":"License to be displayed","url":"\/54.1-3203\/","token":"54.1\/III\/32\/1\/54.1-3203","metadata":false},{"id":73693,"structure_id":15566,"section_number":"54.1-3204","catch_line":"Prohibited acts","url":"\/54.1-3204\/","token":"54.1\/III\/32\/1\/54.1-3204","metadata":false},{"id":59375,"structure_id":15566,"section_number":"54.1-3205","catch_line":"Practicing in a commercial or mercantile establishment","url":"\/54.1-3205\/","token":"54.1\/III\/32\/1\/54.1-3205","metadata":false},{"id":80034,"structure_id":15566,"section_number":"54.1-3205.1","catch_line":"Supervision by unlicensed persons prohibited","url":"\/54.1-3205.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/32\/1\/54.1-3205.1","metadata":false},{"id":80593,"structure_id":15566,"section_number":"54.1-3206","catch_line":"Report of conviction or injunction to Board; revocation or suspension of license","url":"\/54.1-3206\/","token":"54.1\/III\/32\/1\/54.1-3206","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":84550,"structure_id":15566,"section_number":"54.1-3200","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-3200\/","token":"54.1\/III\/32\/1\/54.1-3200","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":63227,"structure_id":15566,"section_number":"54.1-3202","catch_line":"Exemptions","url":"\/54.1-3202\/","token":"54.1\/III\/32\/1\/54.1-3202","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-3201\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1988, chapters 243, 737, and 765; in 2022, chapters 16<\/a> and 17<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":84550,"section_number":"54.1-3200","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3200\/"},{"id":62896,"section_number":"8.01-401.2","catch_line":"Chiropractor, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, or optometrist as expert witness","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-401.2\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":54127,"section_number":"54.1-3222","catch_line":"TPA certification; certification for treatment of diseases or abnormal conditions with therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPAs)","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3222\/"},{"id":75273,"section_number":"54.1-3225","catch_line":"Certification to perform laser surgery","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3225\/"}],"permalink":{"id":242979,"object_type":"law","relational_id":72925,"identifier":"54.1-3201","token":"54.1\/III\/32\/1\/54.1-3201","url":"\/54.1-3201\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-3201\/","token":"54.1\/III\/32\/1\/54.1-3201","dublin_core":{"Title":"What constitutes practice of optometry","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-3201","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The practice of optometry<\/span> includes: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Examination of the human eye to ascertain the presence of defects or abnormal conditions that may be corrected or relieved by the use of lenses, prisms or ocular exercises, or visual training or orthoptics and the prescribing or adapting of lenses, prisms or ocular exercises, or visual training or orthoptics for the correction, relief, remediation, or prevention of such conditions; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Employment of any subjective or objective mechanism to determine the accommodative or refractive states of the human eye or range or power of vision of the human eye; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Use of testing appliances for the purpose of the measurement of the powers of vision; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Examination, diagnosis, and optometric treatment in accordance with this chapter of conditions and visual or muscular anomalies of the human eye; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Evaluation, examination, diagnosis, and treatment of abnormal or diseased conditions of the human eye and its adnexa by the use of medically recognized and appropriate devices, procedures, or technologies; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Preoperative and postoperative care related to the human eye and adnexa; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Use of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents set forth in § 54.1-3221<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Except as provided in \u00a7\u00a7 54.1-3222<\/a> and 54.1-3225<\/a>, the practice of optometry<\/span> does not include treatment through: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Surgery, including:\n\t\t\t\ta. Retina laser procedures; laser procedures into the vitreous chamber of the eye to treat vitreous, retinal, or macular disease; laser in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy eye surgery; or other laser surgery;\n\t\t\t\tb. Penetrating keratoplasty and corneal transplants;\n\t\t\t\tc. Surgery (i) related to removal of the eye; (ii) requiring a full-thickness incision or excision of the cornea or sclera; (iii) requiring physical incision of the iris and ciliary body, including the diathermy, and cryotherapy; (iv) requiring incision of the vitreous humor or retina; (v) requiring full-thickness conjunctivoplasty with a graft or flap; (vi) of the eyelid for incisional cosmetic or functional repair, or blepharochalasis, ptosis, or tarsorrhaphy treatment; (vii) of the bony orbit, including orbital implants; (viii) requiring surgical extraction of the crystalline lens; or (ix) requiring surgical anterior or posterior chamber intraocular implants; or\n\t\t\t\td. Incisional or excisional surgery of the (i) extraocular muscles; (ii) lacrimal system, other than probing or related procedures; or (iii) pterygium surgery; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Cryotherapy of the ciliary body; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Iodizing radiation; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The use of injections, including venipuncture and intravenous injections; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Administration of or surgery using general anesthesia; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Other invasive modalities. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> An optometrist<\/span> may (i) treat certain diseases or abnormal conditions of the human eye and its adnexa with certain therapeutic pharmaceutical agents as permitted under this chapter and (ii) administer intramuscular epinephrine for the treatment of emergency cases of anaphylactic shock. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Any person who in any way advertises himself as an optometrist<\/span> or uses the title of doctor of optometry (O.D.) or any other letters or title in connection with his name which in any way conveys the impression that he is engaged in the practice of optometry<\/span> shall be deemed to be practicing optometry within the meaning of this chapter. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nWHAT CONSTITUTES PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY (\u00a7 54.1-3201)\n\nA. The practice of optometry includes:\n\n 1. Examination of the human eye to ascertain the presence of defects or\n abnormal conditions that may be corrected or relieved by the use of lenses,\n prisms or ocular exercises, or visual training or orthoptics and the\n prescribing or adapting of lenses, prisms or ocular exercises, or visual\n training or orthoptics for the correction, relief, remediation, or prevention\n of such conditions;\n\n 2. Employment of any subjective or objective mechanism to determine the\n accommodative or refractive states of the human eye or range or power of\n vision of the human eye;\n\n 3. Use of testing appliances for the purpose of the measurement of the powers\n of vision;\n\n 4. Examination, diagnosis, and optometric treatment in accordance with this\n chapter of conditions and visual or muscular anomalies of the human eye;\n\n 5. Evaluation, examination, diagnosis, and treatment of abnormal or diseased\n conditions of the human eye and its adnexa by the use of medically recognized\n and appropriate devices, procedures, or technologies;\n\n 6. Preoperative and postoperative care related to the human eye and adnexa;\n and\n\n 7. Use of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents set forth in § 54.1-3221.\n\nB. Except as provided in \u00a7\u00a7 54.1-3222 and 54.1-3225, the practice of optometry\ndoes not include treatment through:\n\n 1. Surgery, including:\n \t\t\t\ta. Retina laser procedures; laser procedures into the vitreous chamber of\n the eye to treat vitreous, retinal, or macular disease; laser in situ\n keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy eye surgery; or other laser\n surgery;\n \t\t\t\tb. Penetrating keratoplasty and corneal transplants;\n \t\t\t\tc. Surgery (i) related to removal of the eye; (ii) requiring a\n full-thickness incision or excision of the cornea or sclera; (iii) requiring\n physical incision of the iris and ciliary body, including the diathermy, and\n cryotherapy; (iv) requiring incision of the vitreous humor or retina; (v)\n requiring full-thickness conjunctivoplasty with a graft or flap; (vi) of the\n eyelid for incisional cosmetic or functional repair, or blepharochalasis,\n ptosis, or tarsorrhaphy treatment; (vii) of the bony orbit, including orbital\n implants; (viii) requiring surgical extraction of the crystalline lens; or\n (ix) requiring surgical anterior or posterior chamber intraocular implants; or\n \t\t\t\td. Incisional or excisional surgery of the (i) extraocular muscles; (ii)\n lacrimal system, other than probing or related procedures; or (iii) pterygium\n surgery;\n\n 2. Cryotherapy of the ciliary body;\n\n 3. Iodizing radiation;\n\n 4. The use of injections, including venipuncture and intravenous injections;\n\n 5. Administration of or surgery using general anesthesia; or\n\n 6. Other invasive modalities.\n\nC. An optometrist may (i) treat certain diseases or abnormal conditions of the\nhuman eye and its adnexa with certain therapeutic pharmaceutical agents as\npermitted under this chapter and (ii) administer intramuscular epinephrine for\nthe treatment of emergency cases of anaphylactic shock.\n\nD. Any person who in any way advertises himself as an optometrist or uses the\ntitle of doctor of optometry (O.D.) or any other letters or title in connection\nwith his name which in any way conveys the impression that he is engaged in the\npractice of optometry shall be deemed to be practicing optometry within the\nmeaning of this chapter.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 54-368; 1988, cc. 243, 737, 765; 2022, cc. 16, 17.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}