French Public Health Code
In forceI.-The visual assessment and prescription referred to in 1° of Article L. 4342-1 may be carried out by an orthoptist for patients aged between 16 and 42 who do not present any of the contraindications listed by order of the Minister for Health.
For patients already wearing corrective lenses, the visual assessment and prescription may only be carried out by the orthoptist if the last visual assessment carried out by the ophthalmologist was less than five years ago.
For patients who already wear soft contact lenses, the orthoptist may only carry out the visual assessment and make the prescription if the last visual assessment carried out by the ophthalmologist was less than three years ago.
II - After questioning the patient to establish that there are no contraindications listed in the order referred to in the first paragraph of I and, where applicable, that the conditions referred to in the last two paragraphs of I have been met, the orthoptist may carry out a visual assessment which includes the following procedures :
1° A measurement of visual acuity and subjective and objective refraction ;
2° A simple examination of ocular motricity.
III - As part of a visual assessment prior to the prescription of soft ocular contact lenses, the orthoptist carries out the following procedures in addition to the examinations mentioned in II:
1° A measurement of the curvature of the cornea ;
2° an examination of the ocular surface.
IV -The patient is referred to an ophthalmologist if, during the visual assessment, the orthoptist observes :
1° The existence of one of the contraindications listed in the decree mentioned in the first paragraph of I, or any other situation or pathology requiring medical consultation ;
2° A sudden and profound drop in visual acuity;
3° The need for an optical correction equal to or greater than three dioptres for myopia and hypermetropia, and one dioptres for astigmatism.
V.-In the event of a prescription, the orthoptist must state on the prescription that this prescription is of a non-medical nature.
VI - When renewing equipment, the orthoptist may adapt an orthoptic prescription for corrective lenses or soft ocular contact lenses that is less than two years old. He shall record the correction adjustment he makes on the prescription, indicating legibly his surname, first name, position, registration identifier in accordance with Article L. 4342-2, date and sign this modification. He will inform the prescriber by any means that guarantees the confidentiality of the information transmitted.
