Proposed Kentucky regulations allowing optometrists to perform some eye surgeries fail to properly define education, training and oversight, according to a release by the Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons.
The regulations are based on a new law pushed through the Kentucky legislature in 13 business days and signed by the governor, even though a poll showed that 80 percent of Kentuckians want all eye surgeries to be performed by ophthalmologists, the academy stated.
The new law, opposed by the academy, authorizes optometrists to use lasers, scalpels, needles, ultrasound, ionizing radiation and tools that burn and freeze tissue. Allowed procedures include removal of potentially cancerous eyelid tumors, an array of glaucoma laser surgery and laser surgery to clear up cloudy vision after cataract surgery. The law also allows optometrists to inject almost any drug except controlled substances classified as Schedule I and II.
Under proposed regulations to certify optometrists do perform the surgeries, candidates must undergo "some" instruction without defining the length of the course, time devoted to each subject or qualifications of the instructors. The proposal also fails to specify how many patients an optometrist needs to treat before he can be certified.
Read the Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons release on proposed regulations to allow optometrists to perform eye surgery.
Related Articles on Optometrists:
Ophthalmologists Fight Kentucky Proposal for Surgery by Optometrists
Texas Optometrist Charged With Billing for Services Never Provided
Eye Centers of Florida Recruits Dr. Rodney Smith