NRS 636.2891: Treatment of glaucoma prohibited without certificate or certification by endorsement; duty to refer certain patients with glaucoma to ophthalmologist.

1. An optometrist shall not treat a person diagnosed with glaucoma unless the optometrist has been issued a certificate by the Board pursuant to NRS 636.2895 or certification by endorsement pursuant to NRS 636.2897.

2. An optometrist, regardless of whether he or she has been issued a certificate to treat persons diagnosed with glaucoma pursuant to NRS 636.2895 or certification by endorsement pursuant to NRS 636.2897, shall refer a patient diagnosed with glaucoma to an ophthalmologist for treatment if any one of the following is applicable:

(a) The patient is under 16 years of age.

(b) The patient has been diagnosed with any type of glaucoma other than open angle glaucoma.

(c) The patient has been diagnosed with acute closed angle glaucoma. The provisions of this paragraph do not prohibit the optometrist from administering any appropriate, nonsurgical emergency treatment to the patient.