Louisiana Eye Care Bill Concerns State Ophthalmologists

An eye care bill opposed by Louisiana's ophthalmologists passed out of the state legislature's committee earlier this week, but was pulled from the House floor by its author. House Bill 527 would have given optometrists the ability to perform certain injections and surgeries currently only performed by ophthalmologists.

Procedures not covered by the bill are LASIK, PRK, cataract surgery, and administering anesthesia by optometrists.

Optometrists argue the bill would give them oversight by their own board to diagnose and treat eye diseases. Ophthalmologists say this would provide two different standards of care since they are both already overseen by the same medical board. However, because only half of Louisiana's parishes have ophthalmologists, the optometrists say their care is necessary. Performing some glaucoma and cataract procedures in the state may only be available through an optometrist's care. Many patients do not travel, or unable to travel, the distance needed to see an ophthalmologist.

The difference in the training between optometrists and ophthalmologists is pretty stark. Optometrists are trained in optometry for four years after obtaining a bachelor's degree. Ophthalmologists go to medical school, do an internship, and then do three years of residency. This more than qualifies ophthalmologists to perform complex eye surgeries. Ophthalmologists believe that their experience and training means that they, and not optometrists, should continue to have carte blanche when it comes to eye surgeries for the patients of Louisiana.

Oklahoma and Kentucky already have similar laws.

If you have questions about any kind of eye care, including LASIK, please contact an experienced ophthalmologist in your area today.