From the American Academy of Ophthalmology

California optometrists could perform lid and laser surgery and administer injections and vaccinations under a bill making its way through the California State Legislature. The California Assembly Committee on Business, Professions and Consumer Protection on Tuesday passed the bill, referring it on for deliberation before the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.

If enacted, the bill would give California optometrists the authority to:

• Perform scalpel eyelid surgery on lesions, cysts and chalazia
• Perform glaucoma laser surgery (argon and selective laser trabeculoplasty) and YAP laser
• Inject medications, including into the eye
• Perform blepharoplasty (depending on the legislation’s final language)

Under the bill, the California State Board of Optometry would oversee and regulate these privileges, rather than the Medical Board of California. Senate Health Committee Chairman Ed Hernandez, a practicing optometrist, introduced and is championing the controversial legislation. Given California’s large population, this bill not only would lower patient-care standards for about 12 percent of Americans, but could also set a dangerous precedent for other states.

The California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, the California Medical Association and the Academy have been vigorously opposing the legislation on patient-safety grounds since its introduction last year. The groups will continue warning legislators that the bill’s passage would jeopardize the quality of surgical eye care in the state.

Academy members are strongly urged to get involved in their state society and donate to the Surgical Scope Fund to ensure surgical privileges are granted only to professionals with appropriate medical education, clinical training and experience. Donate now