The bill revises 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. It amends existing definitions and clarifies that optometrists may now perform these procedures, provided they are certified by the board of optometry. The bill also specifies that penetrating intraocular surgery, intravitreal injections, and refractive surgery are excluded from the scope of procedures that optometrists can perform.

Additionally, the bill outlines the qualifications for certification to perform laser surgical procedures, requiring optometrists to complete specific didactic and clinical training from an accredited optometry school. Upon successful completion of this training, the board will certify the optometrist and issue a license indicating their certification to perform laser surgery. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 37-10-101, 37-10-302