Texas House Bill HB2660

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to regulation of the practice of therapeutic optometry.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2660 is expected to enhance the practice of therapeutic optometry by allowing optometrists to undertake a broader range of non-invasive procedures. By granting optometrists the authority to perform certain medical treatments, the bill may improve access to eye care for Texas residents, potentially reducing the need for referrals to ophthalmologists for conditions that therapeutic optometrists can now treat directly. This could streamline patient care, lower costs, and improve overall health outcomes related to eye health.

Summary

House Bill 2660 aims to amend the regulations governing the practice of therapeutic optometry in Texas, specifically by expanding the scope of practice for therapeutic optometrists. The bill updates the definition of 'surgery' within the context of therapeutic optometry and introduces new sections that outline the specific procedures that therapeutic optometrists are authorized to perform. This includes procedures like removing superficial foreign bodies from the eye, using tissue glue for wound closure, administering injections, and performing certain glaucoma treatments without the requirement for surgical intervention.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it modernizes and enhances the roles that therapeutic optometrists can play in eye care, there may be concerns about safety and the adequacy of training for optometrists to perform these new procedures. Critics might raise questions regarding quality of care, particularly concerning the more invasive procedures allowed under the new definitions. The oversight of optometry practices and the potential need for further regulations to ensure patient safety could emerge as points of contention as discussions evolve around the implementation of this bill.