The state of Ohio has the opportunity to enhance access to eye care for all Ohioans with the passage of Senate Bill 36.
This bill would allow doctors of optometry to perform three in-office, non-invasive laser procedures and remove benign lesions, such as cysts and skin tags, on the eyelid, in addition to making some corrections to our drug formulary. This bill would not allow optometrists to perform any highly specialized operating room procedures such as cataract surgery, LASIK or eyelid cancer removal and reconstruction.
Many of these procedures are already permitted in other states, including our neighboring states of Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Virginia.
SB 36 is about meeting the eye care demand of all Ohioans, ensuring our residents can get timely, high-quality care without unnecessary delays or burdens. Far too many residents, especially those in rural and underserved areas, struggle to see an eye care provider when they need one.
Ohio’s doctors of optometry are extensively trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions; yet, outdated laws prevent them from offering procedures for which they are fully trained and qualified to perform. This forces patients to seek care with an ophthalmologist for these non-operating room procedures, leading to long wait times, significant travel or forgoing care altogether.
I send many patients to the surgeons in our same practice for these three in-office laser procedures, and when I bring up the need for a procedure, without fail, these patients want to know why I cannot do it for them. As their primary eye care provider, they trust and are comfortable with my care. We would be able to accommodate the patient for the necessary procedure same day or within days, versus the weeks to months that they must wait to see the surgeon.
When I became a doctor of optometry, I took an oath that all optometrists take, ensuring that I practice a code of ethics that prioritizes patient safety at the core of everything I do: “Do no harm.” The three laser and eyelid procedures included in SB 36 are well within the scope of optometric education and training.
Studies have shown that when optometrists perform these procedures, patient outcomes are just as safe and effective as when performed by ophthalmologists. Allowing optometrists to provide this care ensures that patients have more options for receiving timely treatment before their conditions worsen.
Passing SB 36 would also help Ohio retain top talent in the field of optometry. The Ohio State University College of Optometry produces some of the best and brightest young doctors. Yet, many leave Ohio to practice in states with more up-to-date scope of practice laws, where they can practice as fully as they are trained. To retain these talented professionals in our communities, we must modernize our laws to align with the current standards of care nationwide.
The citizens of Ohio deserve the very best, convenient care for their eyes. We encourage our policymakers to support the patients of Ohio by supporting the passage of SB 36.
Dr. Jennifer Vincent is a Kent-based optometrist with Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Standard eye care procedures shouldn’t need special visits. SB 36 fixes that | Opinion
Reporting by Dr. Jennifer Vincent / Akron Beacon Journal
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