Ophthalmologist-led coalition looks to Arkansas ballot to unwind new law on optometry eye surgery

[KenH]

‘ “Arkansas legislators overwhelmingly approved this measure during the recent session, after listening to hours of testimony and debate, and learning optometrists in other states, like Oklahoma, have been safely performing these procedures for more than 20 years,” said Farmer, whose association strongly backed Act 579 during the legislative session. “Lawmakers also heard from constituents who have had to endure added costs and lengthy waits when required to see a specialist for care their optometrist is trained to safely provide. “

Farmer said the Arkansas General Assembly had fully vetted the legislation and determined that the new law will give Arkansas patients increase access to quality care.

...

In other states, optometrists have been successful in broadening their permissible scope of services. States such as Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee allow optometrists to perform various types of procedures once limited to ophthalmologists. ‘

Ophthalmologist-led coalition looks to Arkansas ballot to unwind new law on optometry eye surgery - Talk Business & Politics

 

[church mouse guy]

What exact procedures does Arkansas allow optometrists.to do?

 

[InTheLight]

The eyesight industry is in dire need of deregulation.

Although, ironically, it was a new regulation that increased competition about 10 years ago. Used to be when you got an eye exam the optometrist was not required to give you your pupillary distance (measurement between pupils) necessary to get an eyeglasses prescription filled. Most times they would refuse to give you this critical information because they didn't want you to go online and buy inexpensive eyeglasses. The federal government passed a law stating the eyeglasses prescription, including pupillary distance was the property of the person and if asked for by the patient, must be given to them.

I've been buying eyeglasses online since 2008 and have saved thousands of dollars.

 

[Revmitchell]

The eyesight industry is in dire need of deregulation.

Although, ironically, it was a new regulation that increased competition about 10 years ago. Used to be when you got an eye exam the optometrist was not required to give you your pupillary distance (measurement between pupils) necessary to get an eyeglasses prescription filled. Most times they would refuse to give you this critical information because they didn't want you to go online and buy inexpensive eyeglasses. The federal government passed a law stating the eyeglasses prescription, including pupillary distance was the property of the person and if asked for by the patient, must be given to them.

I've been buying eyeglasses online since 2008 and have saved thousands of dollars.

Yea I did battle with the eye doctor at walmart of my son's PD back some years ago. Truth is the PD is easy enough to determine on our own.

 

[KenH]

What exact procedures does Arkansas allow optometrists.to do?

http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2019/2019R/Acts/Act579.pdf

 

[InTheLight]

Yea I did battle with the eye doctor at walmart of my son's PD back some years ago. Truth is the PD is easy enough to determine on our own.

You are correct, it can be determined on your own. You can be off a millimeter or two and it probably won't make much of a difference unless you buy glasses with very small lenses. But those binocular type devices at optometrist offices that measure PD are sure convenient and fast.

 

[church mouse guy]

I have had good luck with optometrists but I prefer ophthalmologists. I have been lucky in that I have had two or three of the best ophthalmologists in the state of Indiana but I outlived them.