07/10/2023

Dangerous Optometric Surgery Bill Introduced in Ohio

On June 29, Senator Jerry Cirino with the support of the Ohio Optometric Association introduced SB 129 in the Ohio Senate.

This legislation would allow Ohio optometrists to do the following:

• laser surgery consisting of capsulotomy, trabeculoplasty, or peripheral iridotomy;
• the incision and curettage of a chalazion;
• the removal and biopsy of a skin lesion;
• the excision or drainage of a conjunctival cyst or concretion;
• any suturing other than corneal and scleral suturing;
• any injection, other than an intravenous or intraocular injection, of a drug; and
• administer, prescribe or dispense punctal plugs and ocular inserts.

Ohio, like many other states in the country, is now facing proposed changes to the optometric scope of practice law that will dramatically change eye care, patient safety and ophthalmology practices across the state. As an organization, we have been working for years to educate policy makers and the public that surgery should only be done by trained surgeons. We will be working closely with the Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) to defeat this dangerous legislation.

The legislature is on break until the fall when we anticipate the bill having hearing in the Senate Health Committee. Now, more than ever, we need your help and engagement. What can you do?

• Let us know if you have a relationship or know your local state representative or senator – advocacy@ohioeye.org
  
  
• Sign up to do a legislative visit in your community or at your practice – oos staff will coordinate and attend with you – advocacy@ohioeye.org
  
  
• Watch out for emails from OOS in the coming months regarding communicating with legislators on the bill
  
  
• If you haven’t already, contribute to the Ohio Medical Eye PAC

The OOS Board appreciates any help you can provide.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email Todd Baker, OOS executive director.