A bill under consideration in Virginia would give optometrists the right to perform certain laser eye surgeries.
The procedures are selective laser trabeculoplasty, peripheral iridotomy and yttrium aluminum garnet capsulotomy, the Times-Dispatch reports.
Amanda Umlandt, president elect of the Virginia Optometric Association, said eight states currently permit ODs to perform such operations.
But Dr. Michael Keverline, president of the Virginia Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, said the procedures should be performed by ophthalmologists because they receive more surgical training.
“There is no reason why we need to change the law,” Keverline said. “If we do change the law, we’re putting people’s eyes at risk.”
The bill is being sponsored by state Sen. Chap Petersen, D-Fairfax City. It recently was approved by a Senate sub-committee and will next go to full committee.
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