SPONSOR: Farnan
Currently, the practice of optometry does not include the provision of surgical procedures, including the use of lasers, and does not include the use of injectable agents. This bill modifies the practice of optometry by including the use of injectable agents for the purpose of treatment of the eye and adnexa and surgical procedures, except as otherwise specified and limited by the Board of Optometry.
Additionally, specific procedures are added to the practice of optometry. The procedures added include:
(1) The removal of nonperforating foreign bodies from the cornea, conjunctiva, or eyelids;
(2) The removal of eyelashes;
(3) The scraping of the cornea for diagnostic tests, smears, or cultures;
(4) The dilation, probing, irrigation, or closure of the tear drainage structure of the eye;
(5) The expression of conjunctival follicles or cysts;
(6) The debridement of the corneal epithelium;
(7) The incision and curettage of a chalazion;
(8) The removal and biopsy of skin lesions without known malignancy;
(9) Laser capsulotomy;
(10) Laser trabeculoplasty; and
(11) Laser peripheral iridotomy.
This bill is similar to HB 929 and SB 219 (2025); and SB 956 and HB 1963 (2024).
Statutes affected: