Kansas House approves bill expanding optometrists' scope to include certain lasers and office procedures

The Kansas House of Representatives passed House Bill 2223 on final action after an extended debate over patient safety, rural access and professional training. The bill, carried in the House by Representative Buehler, would modify the state optometry practice law to allow doctors of optometry to perform certain office procedures, use injectable medications (excluding intraocular injections) and perform three named laser procedures: laser capsulotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and peripheral iridotomy.

Supporters said HB 2223 updates Kansas law to match practice and training in other states, increase access to eye care — particularly in rural areas — and encourage optometry graduates to practice in Kansas. Representative Buehler, carrier of the bill, said optometrists “are trained to do these procedures in optometry…