Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Optometry
 
chapter
Regulations of the Virginia Board of Optometry [18 VAC 105 ‑ 20]
Action Regulations for laser surgery certifications
Stage Proposed
Comment Period Ended on 10/25/2024
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10/25/24  6:37 pm
Commenter: Michael C Tigani MD

Optometric laser training
 

I strongly urge every voting member to consider the lack of proper training and supervision that this bill provides proposes.  I propose that any optometrist who would like to perform the listed procedures be proctored by an ophthalmologist who has gone through medical school, internship, and ophthalmology residency. Each optometrist should demonstrate competency for at least 50 cases of each separate procedure. The optometrist must also take classes and pass a written test demonstrating their comprehension of contraindications to the laser, complications, mandated post op care, and appropriate times to consult for assistance. Legislators should also re-examine malpractice insurance for this new class of surgical providers; perhaps they too should be subjected to annual premium increases despite claims free histories. I would be happy to be involved in restructuring this document.

CommentID: 228429