Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Kansas House approves bill expanding optometrists' scope to include certain lasers and office procedures
Summary
The Kansas House on final action passed HB 2223, allowing doctors of optometry to perform specific in-office procedures, three laser treatments and certain injectable medications (excluding intraocular injections), while listing procedures they may not perform.
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 school” and argued that the bill places Kansas on par with a group of other states that allow similar practice.
Proponents told the Health and Human Services committee that the Kansas Board of Optometry indicated enactment would have a negligible operational impact on the board. Backers also cited a figure — as presented during committee testimony — that more than 146,000 such procedures have been performed by optometrists across a dozen states.
Opponents raised safety and oversight concerns. Speakers pressing against the measure argued the change is a categorical shift that allows nonphysicians to perform procedures some called surgical, and urged stronger contingency plans and physician involvement in case of complications. An opponent said the bill lacks a specified backup plan if a complication requires surgical repair and suggested oversight by the Board of Healing Arts for procedures that can cause major complications.
Other members, including Representatives Susan Ruiz, McDonald, Blacks and Goddard, supported the bill as a way to expand timely access to care. Several representatives described scenarios in which ophthalmologists visit rural areas infrequently and contended properly trained optometrists can provide timely, in-office laser treatment when needed.
The bill also explicitly excludes a list of more invasive procedures not part of contemporary optometric education and training, language supporters said was intended to limit the measure to procedures for which optometrists receive formal training and certification.
On final action the House recorded 97 votes in favor and 24 opposed; the bill was declared passed.
Background: supporters and opponents referenced the long history of optometry licensure changes in Kansas, including past bills that expanded optometric authority for pharmaceuticals and other treatments. Supporters said the bill brings Kansas into closer alignment with neighboring states that allow similar optometric procedures.
HB 2223 now moves to the next step required by the legislative process. The House debate included multiple members on both sides; remarks in support emphasized access and workforce retention, while opposition centered on emergency backup plans, surgical standards and oversight.
Ending note: Proponents urged colleagues to consider rural access and workforce impacts if optometrists cannot practice to the full extent of their training; opponents urged further negotiations on contingency and oversight language before similar future measures are advanced.
