Oklahoma optometry procedure bill clears legislature

The Oklahoma House and Senate approved a controversial bill this December over the different kinds of eye surgery that is allowed to be performed in Oklahoma by optometrists as opposed to ophthalmologists. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate in Oklahoma approved the bill allowing optometrists the right to perform "non-laser" surgeries on the eye that are authorized by the Oklahoma Board of Examiners in Optometry. Cosmetic lid surgery and the LASIK procedure are still prohibited procedures for optometrists under the bill.

Ophthalmologists- doctors with an MD or DO, are specialized surgeons who deal with diseases and surgery of the entire visual pathway - including the brain, eye, and surrounding areas of the eye, are outraged by the bill because, in their eyes, only medical doctors should perform such procedures. Oklahoma is the only state that allows non-trained surgeons to perform laser surgeries. The bill would allow optometrists to perform non-laser surgeries - ones that involve a knife - which could cause massive damage to the lens and retina of the eye, as well as other places, if not performed correctly.

Optometrists - doctors without an MD or DO, are allowed to test a patients eyes for sight examinations and can also prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses. They are trained to recognize eye diseases like cataract and glaucoma, as well as the early symptoms of diabetes. The bill was brought forth because optometrists in the state of Oklahoma already administer procedures deemed as "surgical procedures" and needed their practices put into a statute so they can bill their patients accordingly and receive payment.

Access to eye care was another proponent for the bill. Currently there are 101 licensed ophthalmologists in Oklahoma that practice in 18 out of 77 counties as opposed to the 600 registered optometrists that practice in 72 out of 77 state counties. Representative Dale Wells, who supported the bill, stated failing the pass the bill would "gut the ability of these people to provide great eye care to the people of Oklahoma."

Another component to the requested change in legislation lies within who has the authority to authorize procedures done by optometrists. The measure was requested due to the Oklahoma state attorney general's opinion that optometrists are not allowed to administer non-laser procedures and that the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners in Optometry did not have the right to authorize the use of these procedures by optometrists. Many ophthalmologists opposing the bill do not believe the passage of this legislation is in the best interest of the patients' eye care and is more about making money than ensuring access to proper eye care.

Many doctors and politicians alike feel the bill is unprecedented and not necessary. It is the general consensus that the bill will do more harm than good for patients. The bill will soon head to the governor, Brad Henry, for consideration but passed within the House of Representatives 85-9 and in the Senate 40-6.