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  8:49 pm
Commenter: Brennan Lameier, Student Optometrist

Support In-Office lasers by Doctors of Optometry
 

Optometrists across several states have shown the ability to safely and effectively preform the skills necessary for patient treatment in regards to the use of Lasers. Denying access or attempting to restrict optometrists is simply denying patients adequate care that is necessary for eye care professionals to provide. Denial or stricter regulations is a step backwards that only puts a state like Virginia further behind so many others that have already paved a path towards better eye care for all. Optometrists are more than qualified to preform these procedures and denying access or road blocking access is not only lacking in logic, but driven by other motives that do not put patient care first, which is an absolute must for all aspects and pieces that fall under the eye care professionals tree. Students like myself that are afforded full scope practice have more than been adequately trained and educated in class, clinic, and CE in effectively treating patients with the best we have to offer.

CommentID: 228547