Modifies provisions relating to the practice of optometry
The primary impact of this legislation is the potential expansion of the legal scope of practice for optometrists, particularly relating to treatments they may administer. By specifying the types of procedures and treatments that optometrists can perform, including the prescribing of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, the bill aims to enhance the level of care that optometrists can provide. This modification is anticipated to address the needs of patients seeking vision care in situations where specialized eye medical treatment is required.
House Bill 1963 seeks to modify existing provisions relating to the practice of optometry in Missouri by defining and consolidating the scope of practices that optometrists are allowed to perform. This bill specifically includes detailed definitions of optometry, which encompass the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and preventative care of conditions related to eyes and vision. Importantly, the bill redefines the treatments that optometrists may perform, particularly concerning surgical procedures.
Despite its aim to streamline and clarify the scope of practice for optometrists, HB 1963 may encounter points of contention, particularly regarding the extent of surgical procedures allowed under the optometric practice. Critics may argue that expanding the number of procedures optometrists can perform bears potential risks, especially if it leads to a dilution of eye care standards traditionally held by ophthalmologists. Thus, discussions are likely to arise around patient safety and the training necessary for optometrists to carry out enhanced procedures effectively.
Furthermore, the bill outlines specific prohibitions regarding certain surgical interventions, providing a delineation of what procedures can and cannot be performed by optometrists. The explicit list of prohibited surgeries, along with the necessary parameters for optometrists to function under the law, indicates that while the bill aims to modernize optometric practices, it also seeks to preserve the professional jurisdiction of more specialized eye care providers.