In an editorial in Citizens Voice, Pennsylvania eye surgeon Steven Vale, MD, urged the passage of a state bill that would clarify that surgical procedures must be performed by ophthalmologists.
"The bill was written after months of discussions among legislators and medical professionals," he said. "It clarifies that surgical procedures must be performed by ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors, while not removing anything from the scope of practice of optometrists, who have received medical training but are not physicians."
Dr. Vale encouraged northeastern Pennsylvania Senators John Blake, Lisa Baker and John Yudichak to support the bill's passage in the State Senate. He said technological advancements have blurred the perception of what is considered eye surgery, but despite these advancements, surgery should still only be performed by physicians.
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"The bill was written after months of discussions among legislators and medical professionals," he said. "It clarifies that surgical procedures must be performed by ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors, while not removing anything from the scope of practice of optometrists, who have received medical training but are not physicians."
Dr. Vale encouraged northeastern Pennsylvania Senators John Blake, Lisa Baker and John Yudichak to support the bill's passage in the State Senate. He said technological advancements have blurred the perception of what is considered eye surgery, but despite these advancements, surgery should still only be performed by physicians.
Related Articles on Ophthalmology:
Study: Use Grade 2 Reading Level DVDs for Cataract Surgery Informed Consent
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