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, including holding a valid license in good standing, passing a board-prescribed examination, and having at least five years of clinical experience. The bill also outlines the conditions for these volunteer optometrists, including limitations on patient eligibility and remuneration. Additionally, it updates definitions, membership requirements for the board, and the scope of practice for optometrists, particularly regarding the use of pharmaceutical agents and certain procedures.

The bill makes several deletions and revisions to existing provisions, such as removing specific treatment capabilities related to glaucoma and surgery from the optometrists' scope of practice. It emphasizes the necessity for licensed optometrists to meet educational and competency standards set by the board and mandates referrals to appropriate medical professionals for further evaluation or treatment when necessary. Furthermore, it clarifies that optometrists are prohibited from performing invasive surgeries but may remove superficial ocular foreign bodies. The bill also allows optometrists to provide vision care services in schools with administrative approval and sets requirements for recertification, aiming to enhance the standards and regulations governing optometry practice in South Carolina.

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
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