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  5:43 pm
Commenter: Marie Homa-Palladino

Support optometry privileges for lasers
 
  • Optometrists are educated, trained and certified to perform the procedures outlined in the regulations. 
  • in-office lasers have been performed by optometrists since the 1990s 
  • Optometrists train for nearly 10,000 hours to learn how to diagnose and treat glaucoma, cataracts and other diseases.
    It’s not uncommon for medical professionals, including optometrists, to participate in continuing education programs to
    enhance their profession and scope of work. While more is involved than a “weekend course,” when these common laser
    procedures are combined with other training, they are a part of the overall eye care services provided by optometrists.
Marie Homa-Palladino 

 

CommentID: 228410