The News Feed

Scope of Practice

Vermont to Introduce Laser Bill Next Month

The state’s Office of Professional Regulation has come around to supporting the expansion of optometry’s practice scope after opposing it back in 2020.
December 5, 2023

D.C. Bill Pushes to Add Controlled Substances to Optometry’s Scope

After nearly three decades, the jurisdiction could join the 47 US states where ODs can currently prescribe and administer these drugs.
November 22, 2023

South Dakota ODs Can Now Perform IPL

The new regulation follows a unanimous decision by the state’s licensing board that this procedure falls within the profession’s scope of practice.
October 10, 2023

Study Demonstrates Safety, Efficacy of OD-performed Capsulotomy

No adverse reactions occurred, and 99% of patients reported subjective improvement in vision.
August 24, 2023

New Hampshire Governor Signs Bill Allowing ODs to Administer Vaccines

This includes those for influenza, COVID-19 and shingles. The law takes effect in 60 days.
August 10, 2023

Ohio Joins Fight For Optometric Lasers

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.
August 1, 2023

Ophthalmologists’ Analysis Challenges Narrative of Improved Drive Times for OD-performed Laser Procedures

However, the study makes no mention of reduced waiting period when booking appointments with optometrists and other factors relating to the quality, affordability and availability of care.
July 26, 2023

AOA: Laser Capsulotomies Performed by ODs Improves Wait Times, Satisfaction

Respondents reported that 89% of patients were able to be seen by their optometrist within a week after cataract surgery, while only 9% could see an ophthalmologist that soon.
July 19, 2023

Iowa Gets Anesthesia Injections as Other States Pursue More Scope Gains

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.
June 30, 2023

New Jersey Introduces Laser Legislation to Assembly, Senate

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.
June 2, 2023