The News Feed

Scope of Practice

Florida Senate Advances Bill to Ban OD Use of Optometric Physician Title

Similar restrictions would not be put on dentists, chiropractors or podiatrists, since these doctors’ practice acts define them as physicians. The legislation next goes to the house of representatives.
March 16, 2023

California Reintroduces Laser Bill for Optometrists

Advocates regroup after last year’s loss and are ready to try again this session.
March 13, 2023

ODs in South Dakota, Washington Push Laser Bills

If the proposed legislation passes, in addition to Nebraska’s SLT bill, the number of states where optometrists have laser surgical authority would jump to 13.
February 13, 2023

Nebraska Introduces Bill to Allow Optometrists to Perform SLT

LB 216 will soon be voted on by the state’s Health and Human Services Committee following last week’s hearing.
January 30, 2023

California Governor Vetoes Optometric Laser Bill

Rationale relies on spurious claims of shortcomings in training, say OD supporters of expansion.
December 23, 2022

VA Expands Scope of Practice for Its ODs

Guidelines that previously stated that “only” ophthalmologists can perform invasive procedures have been revised to include “or optometrists,” provided the state law allows it.
November 8, 2022

The Case Against Optometry: How Detractors Argue Glaucoma Surgery is for MDs

In a position paper, the AGS cites reasons including “insufficient” training and a lack of evidence to support that scope expansion improves eyecare access.
October 5, 2022

California Passes Historic Bill Allowing Optometric Surgery

The state’s nearly 7,000 ODs will soon have the opportunity to pursue laser procedures, lesion removal, several types of injections and corneal crosslinking.
September 1, 2022

California ODs Prep for Action on Scope Bill

The legislation may face the whole Senate as early as this week, and the COA calls on optometrists to step in and help get it passed.
August 16, 2022