Rhode Island Ophthalmological Society v. Cannon

This civil suit is essentially a dispute between the state’s licensed ophthalmologists and its licensed optometrists. The controversy had its inception in the pas sage and enactment of P. L. 1971, ch. 229. This statute amended the definition of optometry as found in G. L. 1956, §5-35-1, so that any duly qualified optometrists would be permitted to use certain drugs as they evaluate a patient’s vision during .the examination of his eyes. The drugs are contained in eyedrop solutions, and when applied to the eye’s surface, dilate or contract the pupil or act as a local anesthetic to the eye.

The…