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Lawmakers hear split testimony on expanding optometrists' authority to perform laser eye procedures
Summary
Supporters say HB 213 will expand access to laser eye procedures using training and supervision similar to other states; organized medical opposition warns of statutory conflict with the medical practice act and patient-safety risks.
House Bill 213 would expand the optometry practice act to authorize optometrists to perform specified laser and intraocular procedures after additional training and supervised live procedures. The committee heard organized testimony from both supporters in optometry and representatives of the medical community opposed to the change.
Sponsors described training requirements: graduates before 2026 would complete a 4-day/32-hour surgery-and-laser course with observation and supervised completion of procedures; post-2026 graduates with advanced procedural training in optometry school would need to pass a national board module and meet supervised-procedure counts the sponsor said mirror ophthalmology residency numbers…
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