Vermont Optometrists Take to Montpelier, Asking for the Right to Perform Additional Procedures
Vermont Business Magazine Advocates working to expand the existing scope of optometrists in Vermont have again taken the conversation to the state's capital. Bill S.64, introduced in the Vermont Senate on Feb. 11 by Sen. Rebecca White and 18 others, urges lawmakers to statutorily empower optometrists to perform additional procedures in their offices.
A House bill is expected to follow shortly.
With an expanded scope, optometrists would be able to offer laser surgery for post-cataract haze, prevention of glaucoma and early glaucoma treatment.
They would also be able to remove small lid lumps and bumps by drainage or excision, give therapeutic injections and treat keratoconus with corneal cross-linking.
These procedures utilize skills and training already gained by many optometrists, and the bill requires additional continuing education for licensure for all who choose to perform these procedures.
Vermont's effort follows 12 other states that have similarly expanded the scope.
"We have or will get the training – it is bureaucracy that prevents us from doing it," Tina Keshava, president of the Vermont Optometric Association, said. "By expanding our scope of work, our state's lawmakers would show their confidence in our ability to do our job. Patients would benefit from less need for outside referrals, which means fewer visits and lower costs. It will also make Vermont a more attractive state for optometrists wanting to practice to their full education, which will help fill the provider gap our communities are experiencing. We encourage our legislators to support this bill."
To learn more about the current scope and why an expansion is needed visit vtoptometrists.org/scope.
The Vermont Optometric Association provides its members with the resources necessary to deliver the highest standard of professional and ethical optometric care to Vermonters and acts as a representative voice for Vermont optometrists. Visit vtoptometrists.org to learn more.
MONTPELIER, Vermont (Feb. 12, 2025) — vtoptometrists.org
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