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  12:41 pm
Commenter: Dr. Sebastian Azocar

Support in-office lasers by doctors of optometry
 

Lasers have become an invaluable method of non-invasively treating vision-threatening conditions, some of them being time-sensitive. Optometrists are educated, trained and certified to perform the procedures outlined in the regulations. 

Many Virginians who do benefit from essential laser procedures are already limited in obtaining care due to mobility restrictions, limitations in transportation to yet another doctor's office, and the delay in eventually being scheduled to see yet another doctor. As Optometrists we often find and would be able to immediately treat patients with non-invasive lasers without further inconveniencing patients or risking their sight due to time and scheduling conflicts.

Supporting in-office lasers by Optometrists already trained in laser procedures is in the best favor of keeping Virginia healthy.

 

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