1. This is contemporary optometry. Optometrists have been safely using lasers and removing eyelid lesions for over twenty years in other states. Optometrists in Alabama have been treating glaucoma and eyelid conditions for decades.
2. UABSO has been training optometrists for these procedures for over 10 years to prepare them to practice in any state.
3. With four years of college plus four years of optometry school, Doctors of Optometry have over 10,000 hours training before they graduate and are more than capable to safely provide these services.
4. It’s time to update our scope to reflect this level of training. Our last updated scope was in 1995. A lot has changed since then.
5. Patients want and need the convenience of these advanced procedures by their trusted highly trained optometrist. Alabamians will have better access to the care they need.
6. Show your legislator the www.trustedeyecarealabama.com site for more information.
7. To avoid misinformation, let your legislators know that this legislation does not include LASIK, cataract surgery, or retina procedures. However, optometrists have been managing and treating complications form these procedures for decades.
8. The House Sponsor is Representative Danny Garrett and the Senate Sponsor is Senator Shay Shelnutt