California optometry board hears widespread support and legal concerns about authorizing radio‑frequency devices for dry‑eye care

The California State Board of Optometry on Feb. 14 heard more than a dozen public commenters supporting a proposed regulation to authorize optometrists to use noninvasive radio‑frequency (RF) devices to treat meibomian gland dysfunction and dry‑eye disease, while representatives of physician groups argued the devices could meet the statutory definition of “surgery.”

Board President Garcia introduced agenda item 3 and staff said the board had submitted a regulatory proposal to the Office of Administrative Law and had received “numerous comments in support and 2 comments in opposition” during the public notice period. Executive Officer Gregory Pruden told the board the item was being presented to receive additional oral and written comment before any final regulatory action.

The board heard repeated testimony that RF devices are noninvasive and safe. William Fleischman, an optometrist practicing in Rio Linda, said: “The technique is a very simple procedure. It's safe and effective, and there is no reason that we should not be allowed to use it.” Sebastiano Santarelli, who identified himself as a representative of INMODE, said his company’s ocular RF device had been on the market for…