I support optometrists use of laser in office. Twelve states already allow laser procedures to be performed by optometrists. I practice in a heavily based minority and economically challenged area where patients have very little access to care, yet have an extremely high percentage of eye disease, especially glaucoma. In particular, one of the laser procedures that optometrists will soon be allowed to perform, is a very simple and safe procedure that will dramatically help glaucoma patients, and prevent blindness. Many of these same patients, cannot afford their glaucoma medications, or they have other challenges that prevent them from being compliant taking their daily medication for glaucoma treatment. Optometrists have spent many hours training to do these simple and safe laser procedures and are ready to join the thousands of optometrists nationwide who are already doing them with a high level of success. 

Respectfully,

William Damron OD. Portsmouth, VA