government
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
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
Florida Not-a-doctor Bill Vetoed by Governor DeSantis
Thanks to persistent advocacy from optometry, ODs will retain the legal right to call themselves doctors and physicians.
01/01/2024
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
Washington Optometric Scope Bill Signed by Governor
The new law, enacted yesterday, will allow qualified ODs in the state to perform chalazion removal, certain injections and non-cosmetic eyelid surgery, as well as use topical and injectable anesthesia and prescribe oral steroids.
12/18/2023
Optometry Defends Proposed VA National Practice Standards
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.
09/25/2023
Upcoming Events
December 5, 2024
Rethinking Dry Eye Disease: A Contemporary Approach to a Complex Condition
Location: Virtual
Presenters: Nate Lighthizer, OD, and Dagny Zhu, MD
Webinar: 9:00pm ET
Sponsored by Bausch + Lomb
December 6-7, 2024
December 7-8, 2024
Retina Update 2024
Location: Westin Carlsbad, Carlsbad, California
Program Chairs: Mohammad Rafieetary, OD, and Steven Ferrucci, OD
Earn up to 11 LIVE COPE credits (accreditation pending)
