The Missouri Optometric Association (MOA) is pleased to announce new legislation aimed at improving access to critical eye health services and reducing costs for patients.
For Immediate Release
Missouri Senate Bill 956 and House Bill 1963 would modernize state law, allowing certified doctors of optometry (ODs) to practice to the fullest extent of their skills and training. Current state law restricts optometrists from doing several in-office laser procedures that they are trained to perform.
“It is all about what’s best for the patient,” said MOA spokesman and Warrensburg optometrist Mark Curtis. “It is frustrating that we have the skills, experience, training and certification to do certain procedures that our doctors in Missouri can do and have done, yet because of legislation they are unable to do, to help their patients.”
During their four years of optometry school and more than 10,000 hours of didactic and clinical postgraduate training, optometrists are taught to perform Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), YAG Posterior Capsulotomy (YAG Cap) and YAG Peripheral Iridotomy (YAG PI) to treat glaucoma and provide after-cataract surgery care. Optometry school graduates must pass a comprehensive national exam to prove competency and skill before earning a license to practice. In addition, ODs never stop learning. In Missouri, optometrists complete 32 hours of continuing education every two years.
“Continuing education is vital,” said Curtis. “I have been in this profession long enough that I’ve learned more after optometry school than I did in optometry school.”
Since the 1990s, optometrists in 11 states have successfully performed 130,000 laser procedures. SB 956 and HB 1963 would not allow optometrists to perform LASIK eye surgery; however, it would:
- Offer more convenient, timely care, without additional referrals, a significant advantage for senior citizens who often need more frequent exams and diagnostic tests.
- Save patients the added expenses often associated with extra appointments, including copays, travel and time away from work.
- Reduce costs for individuals in Medicaid programs.
With an aging population, demand for these sight-saving procedures is increasing. Currently, 90 million Americans over the age of 40 have vision problems. Nearly a dozen states, including neighboring Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kentucky, have already modernized their scopes of practice and are successfully attracting optometrists to their states to practice.
For more information, visit TrustedEyeCareMissouri.com.
About the Missouri Optometric Association
The Missouri Optometric Association (MOA) promotes the advancement of optometry by advocating for and educating its members; and protecting access to the highest quality eye and vision care for the citizens of Missouri. Founded in 1901, the MOA today represents and serves more than 500 members.