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Ophthalmologists and optometrists clash over H.1362 definition of 'invasive surgical procedures'
Summary
Ophthalmologists urged passage of H.1362 to align Massachusetts law with surgical definitions used by medical colleges and protect patient safety for laser and other eye surgeries; optometry representatives warned the bill’s language could be read broadly to restrict noninvasive diagnostic and therapeutic tools used safely by optometrists.
Physician and optometry witnesses clashed over H.1362, legislation that would define "invasive surgical procedures" in state law — an issue that local ophthalmologists said is necessary to protect patients undergoing eye surgery and that optometrists warned could be read so broadly it would curtail standard non‑surgical care.
Dr. Sylvia Yu, a board‑certified ophthalmologist at Tufts Medical Center, told the committee that laser procedures around the eye carry surgical risks and should be limited to clinicians with surgical training. "All surgeries are invasive including laser surgery," she said, adding that vision loss is a risk of any operation on or near the eye and that rigorous surgical training matters.
Optometry representatives argued the bill’s language could unintentionally exclude non‑invasive diagnostics and therapies that have been used safely in optometry for decades, and that restricting these tools could increase costs and reduce access, particularly in rural areas. They recommended precise language that preserves standard practice while addressing surgical safety.
The committee heard both perspectives and asked witnesses to submit written legal and clinical clarifications. No committee vote was taken during the hearing.
