Draft regulations as presented were developed with input from optometry and ophthalmology and should be supported as presented. Optometrists are educated, trained and certified to perform the procedures outlined in the regulations. Optometrists train for nearly 10,000 hours to learn how to diagnose and treat glaucoma, cataracts and other diseases. All optometrists must be certified in laser procedures before performing them on patients. To be certified, they must have extensive clinical experience, complete hands-on training and pass a national certification exam. Virginia has almost 2X more optometrists than ophthalmologists, making access to these procedures less burdensome to the
working poor. Therefore, please pass the Virginia state regulations to allow optometrists to perform safe laser procedures. This would provide the upmost quality care for patients across the state.