Since 2011 Finnish optometrists have been permitted to acquire a licence for the use of certain diagnostic drugs in their practice by accomplishing the Pro Auctore Diagnostic Pharmaceutical License Education. This study focuses on the results of an experimental study done using tropicamide, cyclopentolate and oxibuprocaine in an optical shop in 2014. We wanted to find out how the method used in the experiment would suit a broader comparative study.

The main questions of our study focused on describing how tropicamide and cyclopentolate affected the eye and on the comparison of the differences and the similarities the two drugs had from an optometrist’s point of view.

The experimental study had a sample of nine young adults. The data were analysed mainly with quantitative methods using Microsoft Excel but they also featured qualitative content of the recovery to normal eyesight.

The combination of tropicamide and the local anesthetic proved to be the best mean for dilating the pupil. Tropicamide was useful also because it did not have as long-lasting interference to eyesight as cyclopentolate did. Both agents had the same effect on the level and the rapidity of pupil dilation. With cyclopentolate the cycloplegia was deeper than with tropicamide.

The results of our study can be used in planning a broader comparative experimental study on tropicamide and cyclopentolate. This way practical and more generalized information about utilizing diagnostic drugs in an optometrist’s practice would be produced. Due to the small number of subjects the results of this study cannot be generalized, but they are congruent with the theory based knowledge.