From the American Academy of Ophthalmology

Legislation has been enacted in the U.S. Virgin Islands that grants optometrists the authority to use and prescribe diagnostic and therapeutic drops. Under provisions of this legislation, optometrists also have the authority to prescribe oral antibiotics, antihistamines and antivirals. The legislative session was not limited to optometric scope expansion. Gov. John deJongh, Jr. also signed legislation that authorizes physicians' assistants to write prescriptions. Virgin Island ophthalmologists and the Academy opposed the optometric expansion and worked with members of the legislature to offer patient-safety amendments. The optometric bill, however, passed through the legislature un-amended. Gov. deJongh was unresponsive to ophthalmology’s urging to veto the measure until sufficient patient safety amendments were added.