Connect with us

Headlines

Longtime Feud Between Ophthalmologists, Optometrists in Alaska Reignited With New Bill

mm

Published

on

 

It’s turning into an ugly war of words.

The flames of a decades-long disagreement between ophthalmologists and optometrists in Alaska have been stoked once more with the introduction of new a bill that would expand the scope of work that optometrists in the state would be allowed to perform, as the Alaska Dispatch News details.

The article says that Senate Bill 55 is a two-page document that was written by Alaskan optometrist Jeff Gonnason and sponsored by Sen. Cathy Giessel. Each side is paying large sums of money to push their agendas through lobbying and advertising efforts.

The ophthalmologists, for example, recently paid for a radio spot whose script read: “Optometrists want Alaskan politicians to give them the authority to operate on Alaskans’ eyes with lasers, scalpels, and needles, all without completing their required clinical and surgical training that physicians and surgeons do. If optometrists want to be eye surgeons, send them to medical school — not the legislature.”

Speaking for optometrists in the state, Gonasson counters: “We’re the underdog that keeps getting stepped on by these egomaniacal bastards. This is all over turf and it’s all over money — it’s nothing to do with anything but denying access to care.”

Advertisement

Read more at the Alaska Dispatch News

SPONSORED VIDEO

SPONSORED BY VARILUX

The Best Overall Progressive Lens, Now Powered by AI

Engineered with Behavioral Artificial Intelligence and utilizing new XR-motion™ technology, Varilux XR series goes beyond prescription and eye physiology to consider the patient’s visual behavior and design a progressive lens that respects how
their eyes naturally move.

Varilux XR series comes in two versions, Varilux® XR design and Varilux® XR track. The Varilux XR track lens provides an additional level of personalization by incorporating the exclusive Near Vision Behavior Measurement, providing up to 25% more near vision width3 according to the patient’s need, so patients get the highest level of customization.

Discover Varilux XR series and enjoy instantly sharp vision in motion4 and seamless transitions from near to far.

For more information, visit here.

Promoted Headlines

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe

INVISIONMAG.COM
BULLETINS

Get the most important news and business ideas for eyecare professionals every weekday from INVISION.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Most Popular