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, passing a board-prescribed examination, and having at least five years of clinical experience. The bill stipulates that these volunteer optometrists can only treat uninsured patients and cannot receive any form of remuneration for their services. Additionally, the bill revises definitions, membership requirements for the board, and the scope of practice for optometrists, including the use of pharmaceutical agents and certain procedures.

The legislation also makes significant changes to existing optometry regulations, including amendments to the powers and duties of the board, licensing requirements, and definitions of optometry practice. It removes certain provisions related to the treatment of glaucoma and surgical procedures while updating requirements for prescribing medications. The bill emphasizes the need for optometrists to refer patients to appropriate medical professionals for further evaluation, particularly in cases of eye disease and glaucoma management. It also clarifies that optometrists are prohibited from performing invasive surgeries but may remove superficial foreign bodies from the eye. Additionally, the bill allows optometrists to provide vision care services in schools with administrative approval and includes liability protections for healthcare providers offering free services. The act 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