Bill S. 393 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to improve the regulation and practice of optometry in the state. It introduces a new section, 40-37-35, which allows the State Board of Examiners in Optometry to issue restricted volunteer licenses to out-of-state optometrists who meet specific criteria, such as holding a valid license in good standing and having at least five years of clinical practice. The bill stipulates that these volunteer optometrists can only treat uninsured patients and cannot receive payment for their services. Additionally, it expands the membership requirements for the Board, revises definitions related to optometry, and updates licensing and examination requirements.

Moreover, the bill modifies the powers and duties of the Board, ensuring that licensed optometrists adhere to educational and competency standards while revising regulations on prescribing and administering pharmaceutical agents. It notably removes certain provisions regarding the treatment of glaucoma and surgical procedures from the optometrists' scope of practice. The bill also mandates that optometrists refer patients to appropriate medical professionals when necessary, particularly for eye diseases, and prohibits them from performing invasive surgeries. Furthermore, it allows optometrists to provide vision care services in schools and establishes liability protections for volunteer optometrists, while repealing outdated regulations related to pharmacies and pharmaceutical sales. The bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
02/26/2025: 40-37-35, 40-37-10, 40-37-20, 40-37-30, 40-37-40, 40-37-245, 40-37-290, 40-37-310, 40-37-330, 40-37-420, 38-79-30, 44-30-310, 40-37-300
06/04/2025: 40-37-35, 40-37-10, 40-37-20, 40-37-30, 40-37-40, 40-37-245, 40-37-290, 40-37-310, 40-37-330, 40-37-420, 38-79-30, 44-30-310, 40-37-300
Latest Version: 40-37-35, 40-37-10, 40-37-20, 40-37-30, 40-37-40, 40-37-245, 40-37-290, 40-37-310, 40-37-330, 40-37-420, 38-79-30, 44-30-310, 40-37-300