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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.