Optometrists spend four years in education to understand ocular anatomy, physiology, health and treatment. After the first two crucial didactic years of developing a deep understanding of intricacies of the eye and body, optometry students are trained for utilization of lasers, including development and practice of performing these procedures. In the year following, students are given the opportunity to perform these procedures under strict supervision and guidance of skilled and seasoned physicians. Optometrists put in the time and effort to perform laser procedures according to this bill. To say they have not is simply not true.

Many patients, especially in rural areas, do not have the means to see an ophthalmologist for their procedures and some simply do not care to travel the distance needed to do so. If trained optometrists are available and capable of providing this care to these patients, why deny them?

I strongly support this bill.