This bill amends the practice of optometry in Montana to allow licensed optometrists to perform certain in-office surgical procedures and laser surgical procedures, specifically limited to the anterior segment of the eye and adnexa. The amendments to Section 37-10-101 include the insertion of "ocular" anomalies in the definition of optometry and the allowance for optometrists to perform these surgical procedures, provided they are certified by the board. The bill also clarifies that optometrists are not permitted to conduct penetrating intraocular surgery, intravitreal injections, or refractive surgery.

Additionally, Section 37-10-302 is amended to establish the qualifications for certification of licensed optometrists to perform laser surgical procedures. The board is tasked with adopting rules governing these qualifications, and the bill specifies that certification will be granted upon verification of successful completion of required training from an accredited optometry school. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 37-10-101, 37-10-302
HB0218_1(1): 37-10-101, 37-10-302
HB0218_1(2): 37-10-101, 37-10-302
HB0218_1(3): 37-10-101, 37-10-302
HB0218_1(4): 37-10-101, 37-10-302
HB0218_1(5): 37-10-101, 37-10-302
HB0218_1(6): 37-10-101, 37-10-302
HB0218_1(7): 37-10-101, 37-10-302
HB0218_1: 37-10-101, 37-10-302
HB0218_X(1): 37-10-101, 37-10-302
HB0218_X(2): 37-10-101, 37-10-302
HB0218_X(3): 37-10-101, 37-10-302
HB0218_X(4): 37-10-101, 37-10-302
HB0218_X(5): 37-10-101, 37-10-302
HB0218_X: 37-10-101, 37-10-302