Optometrists are educated, trained, and certified to perform the procedures outlined in the regulations. There have been more than 146,000 laser procedures performed by ODs in 12 states over the last two decades. Optometrists have done far more than a "weekend course" to develop the skills to provide quality eye care. They train over 10,000 hours to learn how glaucoma, cataracts, and other diseases are diagnosed and treated.