Optometric laser laws have been in existence since the 1990's. There are now 12 states certifying optometrists for the sole three procedures that would be permitted in Virginia, namely YAG capsulotomies, selective laser trabeculoplasty, and peripheral iridotomies. Over 145,000 have been performed to date by optometrists. I believe this track record demonstrates that optometrists are more than capable of offering these procedures to our patients. Neither the Virginia legislature, the Governor, nor the Virginia Board of Optometry can create a standard of care. Only the community of eye providers including both optometrists an ophthalmologists create this standard due to what a qualified and reasonable medical professional do would do under the same circumstance. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are already held to the same standard of care.