This is an example of how we are unsafely approving everyone to do procedures that take short period of time but require skill and knowledge base. MD ophthalmologists undergo rigorous training starting in medical school. Without learning the anatomy and learning the surgical techniques in a surgical program and taking the MD ophthalmology written and oral board examination-no one should be allowed to perform laser or any procedure with an excuse that there is a need. There are many physicians available in the state of virginia to perform these procedures safely. If an optometrist can score above 90th percentile in the American Board of Ophthalmology written and oral examination-sure (even though they skipped medical school and cut all the years of training down to few yrs). If they cannot pass the ABOP (this is board exam for ophthalmologist. Not any board created by anyone.) That would be the first step. Why not go to medical school? No shortcuts when it comes to surgeries for patient safety.