Scope of Practice
Seven States Remain Active in Battles for Laser Authority
With one victory and four losses charted in the last few months, it’s already been a busy year for scope expansion. Here’s the latest on where efforts stand.
03/26/2024
Optometric Scope: Breaking Down Barriers
Here’s how ODs are challenging old boundaries—and what they can do once freed from them.
03/15/2024
51 Flavors of Optometry
The profession’s fragmented legal basis lets some states surge while others languish, creating dozens of varieties.
03/15/2024
South Dakota Scope Expansion Bill Signed by Governor
The state’s ODs have earned the right to pursue lasers, injections and IPL.
03/08/2024
Wisconsin ODs Embrace Expansive Scope, Brace for MD Challenge
The current law on the books does not require explicit enumeration of every privilege and procedure, giving optometrists there more autonomy to evolve their skillsets and offerings as the profession grows.
03/01/2024
At Least Eight States Pushing Lasers in 2024
None secured this scope win in 2023, so this year, advocacy efforts are ramping up to ensure legislators understand the importance of these bills.
01/26/2024
California Laser Bill Killed Without Explanation
The legislation was moved to the ‘suspense file’ by the Assembly Appropriations Committee, meaning there was no vote or rationale provided.
01/25/2024
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.
12/26/2023
Alabama Laser Bill Killed Before Senate Vote
Just prior to a scheduled public hearing, Healthcare Committee members nixed the effort with no further explanation. Undaunted, the ALOA vows to reintroduce in 2024.
12/21/2023
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.
12/19/2023
Upcoming Events
May 2, 2024
Rethinking Dry Eye Disease: A Contemporary Approach to a Complex Condition
Location: Virtual
Presenters: Kamran Riaz, MD, and Melissa Barnett, OD
Webinar: 7:00pm ET
Sponsored by Bausch + Lomb
May 17-19, 2024
June 4, 2024
Rethinking Dry Eye Disease: A Contemporary Approach to a Complex Condition
Location: Virtual
Presenters: Karl G. Stonecipher, MD, and Jessica Steen, OD
Webinar: 8:00pm ET
Sponsored by Bausch + Lomb
