Support the draft regulations as presented without changes.  Optometrists have been performing these procedures since the 1990s.  

I support the draft regulations as presented without changes.  I am an optometrist practicing in the state of Virginia, and attest that optometrists are properly and highly trained to perform these laser procedures.  These regulations were developed with input from a regulatory advisory panel and included input form both optometry and ophthalmology. 

I am a OD practicing in Colonial Heights, Virginia. I fully support these draft regulations as they are presented. 

Please support the draft regulations that were developed from a regulatory advisory panel that included input from both optometrists and ophthalmologists. No changes.

More than 146,000 of these laser procedures have been performed by optometrists across the country and Virginia optometrists are trained to perform these procedures as well.

This legislation will prevent our patients from duplicate visits with duplicate co-pays and out of pocket expenses. It will reduce waiting times from 3 months down to 3 days and decrease travel burdens and costs for our rural patients.

I support the draft regulations as presented without change!

Optometrist's are trained and qualified to perform these procedures, and the draft regulations have been prepared with input from a regulatory advisory panel that includes both Optometry and Ophthalmology experts in the field. Our patients are fully protected and will benefit from increased access to these procedures using the current language.

Thank you!

I support the draft laser regulations as presented with no changes.  I support the quality assurance review process as stated.  I have been practicing for almost 20 years and optometrists are properly and highly trained to perform these laser procedures. 

I am voicing my support for the draft regulations as presented with no changes.  I also support no more than 2 proctored sessions for each of the laser procedures.  Optometrists are properly and highly trained to perform these procedures.  

Twelve states include in-office laser procedures done by optometrists, including a state in which I practiced and safely performed these procedures before moving to Virginia. More than 146,000 procedures have been performed by optometry with no unseen outcomes as shown by Nighthizer N, et al. ND: YAG Laser Capsulotomy: Efficacy and Outcomes performed by Optometrists. Optom Vis Sci 2023 100(10) 665-669. As is currently stands, draft regulations were developed with input from a regulatory advisory panel (RAP) that included input from both Optometrists and Ophthalmologists. I support the draft regulations AS presented without further changes and support the quality assurance review process as presented. 

I support the draft regulations as presented with no changes. I am an optometrist who has been practicing in Virginia for 7 years and am certified to perform YAG, SLT, and ALT procedures. I support that an educational attestation from a dean or designee of a school of optometry or instructor or a laser certification course approved by the board be sufficient evidence of appropriate training. We are highly trained doctors who can perform these procedures, and already treat patients who have had these procedures done.  Also, optometrists themselves have been performing lasers in other states since the 1990s, more than 146,000 procedures in total. 

There are 12 states that already include in-office laser procedures by optometrists. There have been over 146,000 procedures performed by optometrists across the country.  Optometrists have been preforming lasers since the 1990’s. 

I am writing in support of the current laser bill as it is written.  It is important to move this legislation forward with no changes.  The legislation was developed with input from a regulatory advisory panel which included both optometrists and an ophthalmologist.

I am writing to support the draft regulations for laser surgery certifications as written. In Virginia, optometrists have been treating the conditions in these regulations since the early 1980s. Optometrists are highly and properly trained to treat theses conditions. There are 12 states that include in-office laser procedures. Optometry scope has evolved in Virginia since the 1980s and the regulations should be approved. Again, I support the draft regulations as written.

The Virginia Optometric Association (VOA) thanks the Regulatory Advisory Panel (RAP) for drafting the proposed regulations and the members of the Board of Optometry for their continued work. We believe these draft regulations present a consensus amongst all stakeholders, including the Optometrists and Ophthalmologists who both served on the RAP. As proven, we know that Virginia’s Optometrists are properly and highly trained to perform these laser procedures. The draft regulations provide the appropriate measures needed to regulate Virginia licensed Optometrist who wish to perform these Ophthalmic laser procedures while protecting the interest of the public. We believe the draft regulations related to initial certification are more than adequate to qualify a provider. We support the educational attestation from a dean or designee of a school of optometry or an instructor of a laser surgery certification course approved by the board to be sufficient evidence of obtaining the appropriate didactic and clinical laser surgery training. We support the quality assurance review process as presented. We support the language that "Proctored session" means any surgery on a live patient or procedure performed on a model eye. We support no more than two proctored sessions for each of the laser procedures. In the end, we thank for board for their work and encourage you to proceed with the draft regulations exactly as presented with no modifications or changes.

Please support the optometric laser regulations as currently presented. They were developed collaboratively with input from both optometrists and ophthalmologists. Optometrists are thoroughly educated, trained, and certified to perform these procedures. Additionally, in-office laser procedures by optometrists are already permitted in 12 states, with over 146,000 procedures performed nationwide. Supporting the regulations as written will ensure consistent and safe practice standards.

Thank you for your consideration.

Regards,
Adam Parker, OD 

I am writing in support of the draft regulations as presented without any changes.  This draft was developed with input from optometry and ophthalmology and should be supported as presented. 

Please support regulations as presented, they were developed with input from optometry and ophthalmology and should be supported as presented for the well being of the public.

Optometrists are educated, trained and certified to perform the procedures outlined in the regulations within their doctoral programs. 

Twelve (12) states include in-office laser procedures by optometrists, dating back to the 1990s.

laser surgery needs to be performed by people who are trained in the proper use of and complications  for proper patient care; please take care of patient  best interests; thank you