What type of medications can TPA certified optometrists prescribe to relieve ocular pain?

TPA (Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents) certified optometrists have limited prescribing authority that enables them to address certain ocular conditions. To relieve ocular pain, the appropriate category of medications they can prescribe includes oral analgesics classified under schedules III to VI. These medications are typically used for managing mild to moderate pain, which aligns with the training and regulations governing the practice of TPA certified optometrists.

While prescribing oral antibiotics could be relevant in treating infections that may cause ocular pain, it is specifically the analgesics that are aimed at directly relieving pain. Topically applied steroids are generally outside the purview of optometrists' standard practice scope for pain relief, as they are primarily used for inflammatory conditions. Intravenous medications are not within the prescribing rights of optometrists, given the nature of their practice, which focuses on outpatient and non-invasive treatments.

Thus, the option of oral analgesics from schedules III to VI is the correct and most relevant choice for relieving ocular pain as per the abilities granted to TPA certified optometrists.