In a recent House of Representatives hearing, AOA and AFOS members were able to refute many spurious claims of inadequate training and safety concerns voiced by ophthalmology and organized medicine.

This includes those for influenza, COVID-19 and shingles. The law takes effect in 60 days.

The proposed bill would permit ODs to perform capsulotomy, trabeculoplasty and LPI, as well as remove certain lesions, give injections and prescribe additional pharmaceutical agents.

The law takes effect tomorrow. In New Hampshire, a bill allowing ODs to administer certain vaccinations heads to the governor’s desk, while New Jersey and Nebraska continue to advocate for legislation proposing the use of optometric lasers.

The new law prohibits vision care plans from mandating ODs use certain labs, materials or discounts on noncovered services to promote a free, open market.

Thanks to persistent advocacy from optometry, ODs will retain the legal right to call themselves doctors and physicians.

The identical bills would allow the state’s ODs to perform capsulotomy, SLT, LPI and lesion removal. It would also expand vaccine and prescription authority.

The recommendations could potentially burden ODs and MDs by imposing additional paperwork and regulations on practices. Members of the public have until June 20 to submit their comments on the matter.

Before a scheduled public hearing was even held, Healthcare Committee members nixed the effort with no further explanation. Undaunted, the ALOA vows to reintroduce in 2024.

The legislation, which would permit capsulotomy and SLT, will be heard by the Senate Health Committee next week.