I am strongly in favor of properly trained and certified optometrists being able to perform certain laser procedures in office.

The draft regulations were developed with input from both optometry and ophthamology and should be supported as presented. The laser procedures being considered would not be performed by just any optometrist. Those optometrists who wish to be able to perform these procedures will undergo formal proctored sessions which include detailed didactic and lab training. Optometrists who do not take this training would not be permitted to perform any of these procedures.

Important and interesting facts should be considered:

There are more than 2x as many optometrists in Virginia than ophthamologist, and optometrists are more widely dispersed than their ophthamology colleagues. As such, many patients who live in rural areas may not have access to these surgical procedures unless performed by an optometrist.

Optometrists are already performing laser procedures in 12 other states-and have performed over 146,000 procedures with an undeniable exemplary safety record.

Optometrists receive more than 10,000 hours (4 years of training after college) of training which includes how to diagnose and treat ocular conditions such as glaucoma, dry eyes, as well as comanage conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Many optometrists pursue residency training after optometry school-making them even more experienced in managing these ocular maladies.

Thank You,

Dr. Myron E. Wasiuta