Louisiana House Votes on Bill That Allows ODs to Inject Medication and Perform Surgeries

The Louisiana House of Representatives will debate and hold a vote today (April 24, 2013) on bill that would allow optometrists to perform several eye laser and incisional procedures. Many Louisiana physicians reportedly are interpreting the bill (House Bill 527) as a step back in patient safety and a massive expansion of the optometric scope of practice. The bill would allow optometrists to enter the field of laser cataract surgery by default since the procedure is not specifically excluded in the bill's test on page 4 of the bill. Optometrists, under the current Louisiana Statute 527, are usually limited to prescribing glasses, contact lenses, and treating minor eye conditions such as dry eyes. Current Louisiana Law forbids optometrists from practicing medicine or performing surgery. Additionally, House Bill 527 will legally define all Louisiana optometrists as "optometric physicians." This bill will place the sole jurisdiction of all ophthalmic surgery by optometrists in the hands of the Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners, according to page 5 of the engrossed HB 527. Any inquiries should be directed to the Louisiana House Communications Office in Baton Rouge at telephone (225) 342-9795 or fax (225-219-4380)