The bill amends the Optometry Act to expand the scope of practice for optometrists and enhance the powers and duties of the Board of Optometry. Key changes include a broader definition of the "practice of optometry," which now encompasses the prescription and administration of drugs for diagnosing visual defects, as well as the use of various corrective measures such as lenses and vision therapy. Additionally, the bill allows optometrists to perform specific in-office surgical procedures, including the non-laser removal of superficial eyelid lesions and the application of lasers for treating certain eye conditions.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the organizational structure and responsibilities of the Board of Optometry, including the authority to determine the practice of optometry and issue advisory opinions. It mandates the board to administer and enforce the provisions of the Optometry Act, maintain accurate records, and establish qualifications for certification in the use of pharmaceutical agents. The bill also stipulates that an optometrist's license may be suspended for 60 days if they use pharmaceutical agents without proper certification. Overall, these amendments aim to modernize the practice of optometry and ensure that the board has the necessary tools to regulate the profession effectively.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 61-2-2, 61-2-6
Final Version: 61-2-2, 61-2-6, 61-2-15