The College of Optometrists

If i decide a patient is suffering from bacterial conjunctivitis and recommend- patient to go to pharmacist down the road (who i know stocks optrex-chlor 0.5% drops) and say. Optician says i have bacterial conjunctivitis and recommends treatment with optrex.

Should i have given a written order?

Does a pharmacist need a written order for a P med? Does that stand up in court ie. a written order for a P med?

Can we supply chlor 0.5% drops to px from our premises, even when it is not an emergency, ie when patient has bac conj, since it is now a P med.

Please help i have drugs PQE on monday.

I thought that Optrex BAct Conj drops were available over the counter!?? so would you need a written order

the emergency part doesn apply to P drugs used in line with our profession so yes we could supply this optrex

yes you can supply the drops within a care plan to manage bacterial conjuctivitis

It is best practice to give your px a care plan and prescription for them to hand in to the chemist for the drops. Actually, the chemists 'round here won't supply the drops without sending the px to an optom to confirm bacterial conjuntivitis anyway.

So despite the fact that the px can buy the drops from a pharmacy - its best practice and shows professionalism to diagnose; construct a care plan (ie: one drop pre hour for two days then four drops per day for a week) & review in five days anyway; issue a prescription and advise the patient what to do and what to expect; to think about allergic reactions and also a fall back plan if chlor does not work. There is also a requirement to inform the doctor (this can be done after the cure) - a little note faxed over is okay.

Just to tell the px to g oto the chemist - is ignoring your status as a professional and not in your px best interest. palfitis

Thanks, but apparently pharmacists only recognise a written order for a POM, not a P.

The new formulary-out on fri, also still states Chlor 0.5% drops are POM and used only in an emergency, confusing.

If my examiner is conservative in approach, they might cane me for advising the drops, when really the G.P should be. I suppose the key is how one questions the px, examines the eye and how soon a px can get an appoitment with their G.P. Then if difficult to get appointment with G.P. i can set up care plan,Px return 3 days, and keep G.P. informed.

Does that sound safe to practice,or does anyone have problems with this approach

Patient with bacterial conjunctivitis:

1. Is treatment necessary? this is a self limiting infection.

2. If treatment is indicated which treatment are you going to prescribe?

3. If you decide on Gtt.Chlor this is a pharmacy medicine for this purpose and can therefore be supplied directly to the patient if you wish.

4. You may still issue a written order for a P med (or are you going to stock all P meds that you might wish to Rx?)

5. There is no requirement to inform the GP, but you may wish to as a courtesy.