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Senate orders third reading of optometry scope bill after intense debate on safety and access
Summary
S.64 — which would create an advanced therapeutic‑procedures specialty for optometrists with education, proctoring and adverse‑event reporting requirements — was ordered for third reading following extended debate about training standards, evidence from other states and questions about whether expanded scope improves access.
The Senate ordered S.64 for third reading after a long floor debate weighing patient safety, access to care and professional training requirements.
Supporters, including the reporter from Government Operations and members of Health and Welfare, said the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) revised earlier findings and now recommends a targeted expansion that includes a specialty credential, minimum in‑person clinical training on human patients, national written and skills examinations, 8 hours of in‑person supervised procedural training, ongoing continuing education and mandatory adverse‑event reporting within 30 days. The bill names specific procedures that would be allowed and lists prohibited procedures. Supporters argued the measure improves rural access, reduces travel and delays for patients, and brings state law in line with practice in other states.
Opponents, including the senator who reported the Board of Medical Practice concerns, cited limited evidence that expanding optometrist privileges increases access and warned about safety implications. They pointed to a systematic review showing higher surgical volumes correlate with better outcomes and argued many optometrists lack repetitive clinical surgical experience on human patients. The senator citing that review also read a veto message from New Mexico’s governor as a cautionary example.
Floor amendments included a modest delay to give OPR time for rulemaking and IT setup; OPR had requested additional months for implementation. Appropriations committee review found no new state appropriation was necessary and estimated fees from a $100 specialty license could cover administration costs. After the floor exchanges and the OPR‑requested timing amendment, the Senate ordered S.64 for third reading.
Supporters said the bill preserves oversight through OPR and the Board of Optometry, requires rigorous credentialing for the specialty, and will allow optometrists who choose to obtain the specialty to expand services in place. Critics urged caution, asked for more evidence on outcomes and 24/7 coverage for potential surgical complications, and warned that diffusion of surgical procedures could reduce repetition and experience for any single practitioner.
