OTC and the ECP

Course overview

This two-hour, technical class is designed to make Florida opticians more aware of OTC (Over the counter) medicines as they relate to our patients, their vision, and the potential effects they can have on contact lens wearers. Although opticians are prohibited from diagnosing or recommending treatment, no one can deny that we are on the front-line of eyecare and we must field questions that are "above our pay grade" nearly every day. This class is designed to help all ECPs (eye-care professionals) make better decisions in what they say to their patients in order to help protect their health, safety, and welfare, without over-reaching the limits of their licensure. This class will help opticians when asked about OTC ocular medicines (e.g. eye supplements, eye drops, etc.), as well as being more aware of the potential side-effects that OTC medicines designed for other ailments can potentially have on vision and eye health. This is something that few opticians currently even consider when troubleshooting patient complaints, As all CE modules should do, attendance at this interactive, highly informative course will make all participants much more effective opticians. It also includes a discussion of several categories of OTC medications and how they affect the ocular system. Examples of common OTC medications and the causal relationship between vision and these medications. Examples are discussed and how to troubleshoot for the patient. This lecture also includes potential effects on the integrity of contact lenses (separate from the vision) by some OTC medications.