Optometrists; allowed to perform laser surgery if certified by Board of Optometry.
The bill impacts state law by amending sections of the Code of Virginia related to the practice of optometry. By allowing certified optometrists to perform certain laser surgeries, the bill is expected to increase the availability of eye care services, particularly in underserved areas where ophthalmologists may be less accessible. However, it also places an added responsibility on the Board of Optometry to establish stringent training, certification, and reporting requirements to safeguard patient welfare. Furthermore, there are anticipated benefits in improving patient outcomes through timely intervention.
House Bill 213 aims to expand the scope of practice for optometrists by allowing them to perform specific laser surgeries, contingent upon certification from the Board of Optometry. The procedures authorized under this bill include peripheral iridotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty, and YAG capsulotomy. This legislative change is meant to enhance the healthcare capabilities of optometrists in the state, responding to the push for more accessible eye care treatments while ensuring that standards for patient safety are maintained through regulatory oversight.
The sentiment surrounding HB 213 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters, who see it as a progressive step in expanding the role of optometrists in patient care. Their focus is on the potential for improved service delivery and enhanced patient access to eye care. However, concerns among some practitioners about patient safety and the adequacy of training for optometrists performing such surgeries have been raised. This duality reflects ongoing debates within the healthcare community about the balance between expanding practitioner roles and ensuring that those roles do not compromise patient care standards.
Notable points of contention focus on the potential risks involved with allowing optometrists to perform surgical procedures, traditionally the realm of ophthalmologists. Opponents argue that such changes could lead to complications if not properly regulated, raising questions about the level of training required and the oversight mechanisms that would be established. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the possible strain on the Board of Optometry, which will have to manage the certification processes and maintain rigorous safety protocols to monitor the quality of care provided by optometrists performing these new procedures.