Dec. 10, 2020 — The California Optometric Association (COA) has announced that it is calling on state officials to allow optometrists to administer Covid-19 vaccines (once available) to their patients.

“Optometrists are well equipped to provide vaccines since the statute in California already authorizes certified optometrists to administer flu, shingles, and pneumonia immunizations to adults in California,” says COA President Jason Tu, O.D. 


Dr. Tu shared additional comments, stating:

"The immunization training course for optometrists is the exact same course that is required for pharmacists and includes hands-on training on all vaccines. There are optometrists who work at community clinics that have taken the pharmacist required course work but can't administer Covid-19 vaccines because the statute prohibits it. All optometrists can be quickly trained and ready to help if we could just lift the arbitrary legal barriers that exist in California.

"In addition to vaccination, optometrists should also be allowed to test patients for Covid. At some point when more rapid viral tests are available, we will have the ability to test every patient before they enter the office. More testing by all health care providers will help slow and stop the spread of the virus. California law currently limits testing by optometrists to conditions of the eye."

Additionally, the American Optometric Association (AOA) is advocating to ensure O.D.s will be included among initial Covid-19 vaccinations to health care workers.