11/19/2025

FACT: Very Few OPTOMETRISTS Perform Laser Surgeries

2023 Medicare Part B claims data makes it clear that just a small fraction of optometrists perform laser surgeries—including YAG laser capsulotomies (YAGs) and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasties (SLTs)—in states that have loosened the scope of practice to permit them to do so.

This analysis is based on the number of unique National Provider Identifiers (NPIs) that have filed Part B claims for YAGs or SLTs as a percentage of the total number of optometrists that filing Medicare Part B claims in 2023.

Percentage of Medicare Part B Claimants Filing Claims for YAGs and SLTs

Data Source: Department of Medicare

Read about our opposition to SB36:

https://ohioeye.org/aws/OSMA/pt/sd/news_article/606673/_PARENT/OOS_layout_details/false