Optometrist Scope of Practice Legislation Threatens Patient Safety in California

Senate Bill 492 has been gaining momentum in the Californian Senate in what appears to be a grave threat to patient safety in the Golden State.

The bill would grossly expand optometric scope of practice by creating a State Board of Optometry which would grant optometrists freedom to expand their scope of practice without any additional legislative or regulatory oversight.

Additionally, the legislation is also designed to increase optometric prescriptive authority and permit optometrists to perform certain surgical procedures with lasers and scalpels.

ASPS is working with the California Society of Plastic Surgeons and other specialty societies to oppose this measure that would allow non-physicians to perform complex procedures without the necessary medical education and training.