Attention Optometrists: Continuing education requirement for all TPA and TPA+GC prescribers
In light of the expansion of the scope of practice for Massachusetts optometrists to include glaucoma certification, the Board reminds licensed optometrists who prescribe Schedules III-VI controlled substances through their Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration (MCSR) are required to complete education and training relative to safe and effective pain management during each license renewal period.
The Massachusetts Society of Optometrists (MSO) and the New England College of Optometry (NECO) offer Board-approved courses to meet this requirement. The approved courses are:
- MSO’s Mapping the Effects of Opioids: From Receptor to Retina presented by Benjamin Young, OD (approved November 19, 2025 retroactive to November 16, 2025)
- MSO’s Beyond the Script: Understanding Opioid Use in Modern Pain Management presented by Benjamin Young, OD (approved March 18, 2026 retroactive to February 19, 2026)
- NECO’s Pain Management and Opioid Risk Education for Prescribing Optometrists presented by David Shein, M.D. (approved December 17, 2025 retroactive to December 9, 2025)
In addition, the SCOPE of Pain core curriculum modules offered by Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine fulfill the requirement for training relative to safe and effective pain management.
Please note that either of these three courses may be counted as part of the annual required eighteen hours of continuing education, including required hours for glaucoma certification, that meets the educational objectives of M.G.L. c. 94C, § 18(e).
PLEASE NOTE: Completion of education and training in effective pain management under M.G.L. c. 94C, § 18(e) does not authorize optometrists to prescribe Schedule II medications. TPA+GC optometrists are prohibited from prescribing “an opioid substance or drug product” M.G.L. c. 112, § 66C(a).
For more information, please contact board staff at optometry@mass.gov.