It’s Official: Optometrists in this State Can Practice in Retail Settings

Oklahoma’s governor has signed into law a measure allowing optometrists to practice within retail settings such as Walmart stores.

Retailers will be permitted to sell lenses and frames under the new legislation, which was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt, NewsOK reports.

The legislation is similar to a measure that failed in a statewide vote last year, but it includes some key changes. This version does not allow optometrists to be employees of retailers.

“Our primary concern as eye doctors is protecting Oklahoma’s very high standards for quality of care and patient safety,” said Dr. Selina McGee, president of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians, in a statement.

“To preserve those high standards, optometrists need to be operating independently, free of corporate control or interference and governed by a medical board.”

The law also does not allow retailers have control over any aspect of the eye exam.

The Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians stated that the new legislation “will protect Oklahoma’s vision health standards while increasing convenience for consumers.”

Read more at NewsOK