Final answer:
An Optometrist can prescribe Schedule III non-opioid medications within the scope of practice and legal regulations. Opioids such as morphine and oxycodone are highly controlled due to their potential for abuse. Non-opioid medications, like higher doses of NSAIDs, may also be prescribed for pain relief.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asked is about the prescription authority related to Controlled Substances, specifically regarding Schedule III (CIII) non-opioid medications. An Optometrist (OD) may prescribe CIII non-opioids as long as they are used within the scope of their practice and comply with state and federal regulations. The most powerful pain relievers are opioids which work by mimicking the body's natural pain-relief mechanisms and binding to opioid receptors in the brain. However these substances have a high potential for abuse and addiction which leads to the necessity of careful prescription and monitoring. Examples of non-opioid medications include NSAIDs at higher prescription doses, while opioid examples include morphine, codeine, hydrocodone and oxycodone.