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  10:05 pm
Commenter: Anonymous

Oppose, unsafe and unnecessary
 

As an ophthalmologist early in my career, I can attest to the rigorous training and precision required to perform eye laser procedures safely and effectively. These procedures demand exceptional hand-eye coordination and the ability to focus a laser with precision often under 1 mm. In residency, most trainees need dozens of supervised cases to develop this skill, even with 3-4 years of intensive training before independent practice is permitted. This extensive preparation isn’t arbitrary; complications from these procedures can be severe, potentially resulting in vision loss and requiring surgical intervention to address. Allowing professionals with limited training to perform these procedures introduces unnecessary risk to patient vision and safety.

CommentID: 228643