Injection Certification Requirements in West Virginia
For currently licensed Optometrists in West Virginia with a License ending with no initial, -D, or -OD who wish to upgrade to an -IOD level that has injection administration authority, including IV, IM, subcutaneous and subconjunctival injections, in addition to DPA/TPA topical and some oral pharmaceuticals, please refer to the following requirements per W. Va. State Rule §14-11-3 et al:
Passage of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) Injection Skills Examination (ISE)
OR
Submit proof of attendance and satisfactory completion of a required course in injection administration from a school or college of optometry accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education or courses that are Board approved from other organizations if the course includes the following criteria (see W. Va. State Rule §14-11-5):
-- Each course includes indications, contra-indications, medications, techniques, risks, benefits and sharps management;
-- Each course contains appropriate follow-up and management of any adverse reactions caused by an injection;
-- Each course shall teach the procedures of injection on human subjects in a closely supervised environment with a proficiency assessment examination.
All applicants must submit proof of current certification in Basic Life Support from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
Once one of these two specified requirements have been met, currently licensed Optometrists in West Virginia must complete the Application for Injectable Pharmaceutical Agents Certification and submit $200.00 for the “Pharmaceuticals by Injection Certificate Fee”.
For recent Optometry school graduates or License by Reciprocity Applicants who wish to apply for West Virginia Optometry License, you must provide the WVBO with proof of Injection Certification before you can begin a West Virginia Optometry License application for consideration.
Please refer to the criteria outlined above for the acceptable pathways to Injection Certification. If you have any questions regarding the process or acceptable courses, please contact the Board.