Health News
Gov. Steve Beshear has signed legislation that will significantly increase the scope of care optometrists can provide, making it the first bill to become law in this session of the General Assembly.
- Regulations Allowing Optometrists To Use Lasers Pass; Opponents May Sue For Violation Of Open Meetings Act
Though ophthalmologists and the Kentucky Medical Association strongly objected, a legislative committee passed regulations Tuesday that will allow optometrists to perform some eye surgeries using lasers. In answer, opponents says "they might file legal...
- Optometrists, Ophthalmologists Renew Battle Over Optometrists' Ability To Perform Medical Procedures
Ophthalmologists renewed their fight yesterday against new rules "that would allow optometrists to perform more complex procedures that critics say will endanger patients," Mike Wynn of The Courier-Journal reports. The Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners...
- New Kentucky Optometry Law Prompting Legislators In Other States To Consider Same Or Similar Changes
Now that Kentucky lawmakers have allowed optometrists to expand their scope of care, legislators in Nebraska, South Carolina and Texas may follow suit. They are looking at legislation that would allow optometrists to perform minor surgeries that...
- Bill To Expand Optometrists' Scope Of Care, Aided By Political Money, Continues Rapid Progression Through General Assembly
A bill that would considerably expand optometrists' scope of care cleared the House Licensing and Occupations Committee in an hour-long meeting this afternoon, the latest move in its speedy progression through the General Assembly. Senate Bill 110...
- Senate Quickly Passes Bill To Allow Optometrists To Perform Minor Surgical Procedures; Ophthalmologists Say That Would Be Risky
"The Senate approved a bill Friday to allow optometrists to perform some surgical procedures on the eye and eyelid, brushing aside warnings from medical doctors who said optometrists are not qualified and could harm surgical patients," John Cheves reports...
Health News
Beshear signs first bill of session; optometrists will benefit
Gov. Steve Beshear has signed legislation that will significantly increase the scope of care optometrists can provide, making it the first bill to become law in this session of the General Assembly."Access to quality health care is a critical issue for families across the commonwealth," he said in a press release. "After careful consideration, along with meetings with many interested parties, today I signed Senate Bill 110 to give Kentuckians greater access to necessary eye care."
The bill made an unusually speedy passage through the General Assembly after being filed Feb. 7. The Courier-Journal reported earlier this month optometrists have given a total of $400,000 in campaign contributions to legislators, the only exception being one who is a physician. Beshear's re-election campaign has also received optometrists' money.
The law will allow optometrists, who do not attend medical school, to perform more types of procedures, most notably one that uses a laser to fix complications that can arise from cataract surgery. Only optometrists in Oklahoma are likewise allowed to use lasers while treating their patients; in every other state, only opthalmologists can. The law also allows optometrists to prescribe certain drugs and lets the state Board of Optometric Examiners define what procedures optometrists can legally perform.
"In order to ensure the highest degree of oversight, I will be meeting with the Board of Optometric Examiners to make sure that providers of these services undergo extensive training," Beshear said. "I believe this new law will mean more Kentuckians can get the eye care they need." Optometrists practice in 106 counties in Kentucky. Two-thirds of the state's counties do not have an ophtalmologist, and supporters of the bill sais it will make eye care more accessible and affordable in rural areas.
- Regulations Allowing Optometrists To Use Lasers Pass; Opponents May Sue For Violation Of Open Meetings Act
Though ophthalmologists and the Kentucky Medical Association strongly objected, a legislative committee passed regulations Tuesday that will allow optometrists to perform some eye surgeries using lasers. In answer, opponents says "they might file legal...
- Optometrists, Ophthalmologists Renew Battle Over Optometrists' Ability To Perform Medical Procedures
Ophthalmologists renewed their fight yesterday against new rules "that would allow optometrists to perform more complex procedures that critics say will endanger patients," Mike Wynn of The Courier-Journal reports. The Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners...
- New Kentucky Optometry Law Prompting Legislators In Other States To Consider Same Or Similar Changes
Now that Kentucky lawmakers have allowed optometrists to expand their scope of care, legislators in Nebraska, South Carolina and Texas may follow suit. They are looking at legislation that would allow optometrists to perform minor surgeries that...
- Bill To Expand Optometrists' Scope Of Care, Aided By Political Money, Continues Rapid Progression Through General Assembly
A bill that would considerably expand optometrists' scope of care cleared the House Licensing and Occupations Committee in an hour-long meeting this afternoon, the latest move in its speedy progression through the General Assembly. Senate Bill 110...
- Senate Quickly Passes Bill To Allow Optometrists To Perform Minor Surgical Procedures; Ophthalmologists Say That Would Be Risky
"The Senate approved a bill Friday to allow optometrists to perform some surgical procedures on the eye and eyelid, brushing aside warnings from medical doctors who said optometrists are not qualified and could harm surgical patients," John Cheves reports...