Justin Cooper , 2025-05-09 13:29:00
Key takeaways:
- New laws in Montana and West Virginia, effective in July, allow optometrists to perform laser surgeries.
- Fourteen U.S. states now permit optometric laser surgery.
Starting in July, optometrists in Montana and West Virginia will be able to perform laser surgical procedures after the recent passage of scope of practice laws.
Optometrists are now approved to perform laser surgeries in 14 U.S. states.
“The future of optometry and access to critical patient eye health and vision care lies in the ability for doctors of optometry to adapt and expand the profession’s scope of practice, which has long been a key priority for the American Optometric Association and affiliates across the country,” Steven T. Reed, OD, president of the AOA, told Healio. “The AOA is committed to supporting the fight for this important progress across the country.”
In Montana, House Bill 218 permits licensed optometrists to perform surgical procedures, including laser procedures, “limited to the anterior segment of the eye and adnexa.” They must complete “the required didactic and clinical training from an accredited optometry school or college” and be certified by the Montana Board of Optometry. The bill was signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte on April 16 and goes into effect on July 1.
“On behalf of patients across Montana who will have better access to eye care because of this law, we are grateful to the governor and the legislature for their support,” Marti L. Wangen, executive director of the Montana Optometric Association, told Healio.
Likewise, the West Virginia law, known as Senate Bill 565, allows licensed optometrists to perform laser procedures after receiving an “ophthalmic laser utilization certificate” from the West Virginia Board of Optometry.
The law outlines a number of approved treatment indications that may be performed by holders of the certificate, with the list being updated “as new treatments, technologies and training become available.” It currently includes posterior capsulotomy, peripheral iridotomy and selective laser trabeculoplasty.
The bill became law on April 30 without the signature of Gov. Patrick Morrisey and is effective on July 9.
“We’re incredibly proud of what this means for our patients,” Laura Suppa, OD, FAAO, president of the West Virginia Association of Optometric Physicians board of directors, said in a press release. “This legislation will allow optometrists to deliver essential care, like managing certain eye conditions and performing minor procedures, without patients having to travel long distances or wait weeks for an appointment. It’s a win for public health and for West Virginia families.”
References:
- Major victory for West Virginia patients, optometrists. https://www.aoa.org/news/advocacy/state-advocacy/major-victory-for-west-virginia-patients-optometrists. Published May 6, 2025. Accessed May 8, 2025.
- Montana House bill 218. https://legiscan.com/MT/bill/HB218/2025. Published April 17, 2025. Accessed May 5, 2025.
- Senate bill 565. https://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=565&year=2025&sessiontype=RS. Published April 12, 2025. Accessed May 5, 2025.
- West Virginia optometrists celebrate passage of SB 565 expanding access to eye care across the state. Published May 1, 2025. Accessed May 5, 2025.
- What kind of impact is optometry making on the nation’s eye health? https://www.aoa.org/news/advocacy/state-advocacy/what-kind-of-impact-is-optometry-making-on-the-nations-eye-health. Published May 30, 2024. Accessed May 6, 2025.
For more information:
Steven T. Reed, OD, can be reached at sreed@aoa.org.
Sources/Disclosures
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Healio Interviews
Disclosures:
Reed reports being president of the AOA. Suppa reports being president of the West Virginia Association of Optometric Physicians. Wangen reports being executive director of the Montana Optometric Association.
