Video & Transcript Research : 'optometry'
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VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Vermont doesn't have an optometry school.
- Section 1: 26 V.S.A. 1703, definition of optometry chapter.
- Section 1: 26 V.S.A. chapter 17, definition of optometry.
- equivalent in optometry training. equivalent in optometry training.
- >
no Most optometry schools provide no Most optometry schools provide no hands-on<01:35:26.080
Summary:
The House began with several announcements and recognitions, including a lengthy tribute to Representative Carolyn Brangan of Georgia on her retirement and years of service, followed by remarks from Brangan explaining that she is leaving to care for her husband during cancer treatment. Additional members offered brief reflections, including one on the end of the session and another welcoming students from Founders Memorial School to the gallery, and a member from Brattleboro highlighted a collaborative mural in the card room titled “These Green Hills, Vermont State Symbols and Personal Reflections.”
The body then took up its calendar. It adopted Joint House Resolution 12, authorizing limited remote voting in joint committees through the remainder of the calendar year, with an ADA-related accommodation for members physically present but unable to access a meeting room. The House also suspended rules to take up and concur in the Senate amendment to House Bill 935 on emergency management. The committee report described grant programs for emergency response and technical rescue, new definitions and shelter-planning language centered on “whole community,” a wildland fire response task force, and an emergency rulemaking provision requested by the Agency of Natural Resources; the committee approved the Senate proposal on an 8-3 straw poll, and the House concurred.
The House next adopted the conference committee report on House Bill 952, the capital construction and state bonding budget adjustment bill. The report explained changes made in conference, including shifting funds to cover a higher-than-expected bid for the St. Johnsbury facility, restoring some funding for maintenance at the women’s correctional facility in Chittenden County, and setting aside $750,000 toward planning for Wi-Fi installation in correctional facilities. It also noted a lease-related language change for a Vermont Huts project at Little River State Park, with notification to the institutions committee chairs. The House then took up Senate Bill 64 on optometrists’ scope of practice; the committee presentation supported allowing specially credentialed optometrists to perform certain minor surgical, laser, and injection procedures, citing improved access, safety, cost, and workforce development, and the bill was read for second reading with committee recommendations for concurrence.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 14th, 2026 at 01:49 pm
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They have a doctorate in optometry. They may not have gone to medical school.
- You go to optometry school for four years where you earn a Doctor of Optometry.
- So you are a Doctor of Optometry. Then you can have an optional residency. So, Mr.
- Speaker and gentlelady, this is actually an optometry doctor, which would be a an optometry doctor, which
- What this does is create oversight by the optometry board.
Bills:
HB145, HB164, HR1, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB306, SB29, SB37, HB99, HB206, HB213, HB270, SB104, SB193, HB38, HB254, HB256, SB58, SB64, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM59, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB253
Keywords:
high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation, subpoena power, public corruption, criminal activity, Zorro ranch, Santa Fe County
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (02/04/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- nationwide is declining, optometry nationwide is declining, optometry workforce<03:18:57.840>
- Well, not 349 or any optometry.
- <03:35:26.479>
statutes within the board of optometry statutes within the board of optometry - of optometry of optometry especially<03:35:40.399>
for <03:35:40.640>purposes <03:35 - [clears throat] optometry RSA 327 [clears throat] optometry RSA 327 it<03:36:25.439>
talks <03:
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25 - Part 2
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- State optometry board has an extensive rulemaking process before doctors of optometry could expand scope
- the scope of optometry the scope of optometry practice.<00:36:31.520>
It <00:36:31.760> - As noted in optometry schools.
- 26 optometry schools in the country. 26 optometry schools in the country.
- State optometry board has an 2012.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 24 Mar 12th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 3004 extends the sunset on the optometry board. I hope You will see fit to support it.
Bills:
HB2997, HB2021, HB3041, HB1823, HB3372, HB1427, HB3127, HB3128, HCR1020, HB4198, HB3000, HB3001, HB3002, HB3003, HB3004, HB3005, HB3006, HB3007, HB3008, SB392, HB3320
Keywords:
motor vehicles, administrative fines, license regulation, state agencies, employment levels, after-school programs, grant funding, community organizations, child care, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, housing finance, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, publication requirements, housing policy, state regulations
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Business and Insurance REVISED Feb 5th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Business and Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- My amatri in my optometrist in my district and optometry association requested this. And thank you.
Keywords:
workers' compensation, workers comp, Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission, Administrative Workers' Compensation Act, self-insurance guaranty fund, multiple injury trust fund, physician advisory committee, advisory council on workers' compensation, workers' compensation court, insurance, employer liability, self-insured employer, fund transfer, records transfer, agency reorganization, statutory cleanup, technical corrections, Title 85A, SB1343, Vision Plan Contractual Requirements Act
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 May 15th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, we have an agreement between physicians and PAs, and we can't forget about optometry.
- We've had a lot of discussions about optometry and ophthalmology over the past couple of years in this
- In optometry, we should not be hesitant to make these improvements whenever we can.
- I've practiced optometry for 38 years and have witnessed tremendous advancements both in treatment and
- Optometry students also train in administering oral, topical, and injectable medications and perform
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Governor's Message 748, Ashley Porter, for consideration to the Hawaii Board of Optometry for a term
- I've been practicing optometry for 18 years and in Hawaii for the last 14 years, and I would be very
- Board of Optometry in support. Thank you. Uh, Noani Green in support and Clayton Pang in support.
- to the Board of Optometry. to the Board of Optometry.
- GM750, Nathan Konishi to the optometry.
Summary:
The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a series of gubernatorial nominations to boards and commissions. Early nominees included Falleno Vital for the Boxing Commission, Rebecca Moore for the Board of Nursing, and Alexander Smith and Zachary Johnson for the Board of Public Accountancy. DCCA and board representatives testified in support of each, and the nominees who were present briefly described their qualifications and willingness to serve. The chair noted the unusually large volume of written testimony in support of the boxing nominee and emphasized that these are voluntary positions and nominees had already been vetted through questionnaires and resumes.
The committee then heard several nominations to the Hawaii Board of Optometry, the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board, and the Hawaii Medical Board. Ashley Porter and Katherine Mao spoke in support of their optometry nominations, Nathan Konishi supported his motor vehicle repair board nomination, and Gary Belchure discussed his reappointment to the medical board. A substantial portion of the discussion on the medical board focused on physician shortages, especially on the neighbor islands, and efforts to address them through the Interstate Medical Compact and pending legislation such as SB 1365. Board staff also discussed possible pathways for foreign medical graduates and the need for criminal background checks to fully participate in the compact.
The latter part of the hearing shifted to real estate commission nominations, including Audrey Abbe and Denise Lacosta. Testimony and member questions focused heavily on condominium governance, deferred maintenance, reserve studies, insurance costs, and the need for better education and oversight of volunteer board members and property managers. Both nominees said older buildings, rising insurance premiums, and lack of expertise among volunteer boards are major challenges, and they suggested more training, clearer guidance, stronger enforcement against unlicensed property management, and better access to qualified consultants and financing. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and moved through the agenda nominee by nominee.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 2nd, 2026 at 08:33 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Optometry.
- While the Regulation and Licensing Department administers the will of the Optometry Board.
- The Board of Optometry does not license or inspect healthcare facilities.
- Optometry has been allowed to do these procedures in Oklahoma since 1998.
- I'm one of the only Medicaid providers in the southeast corner for optometry.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (10/01/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- >
includes While the optometry curriculum includes While the optometry curriculum includes dactic - students each year in optometry school. students each year in optometry school.
- established by the board of optometry. established by the board of optometry.
- have is if the board of optometry has to have is if the board of optometry has to itself<01:04:13.680
- original proposal from the optometry original proposal from the optometry site.<01:24:06.639>
Summary:
The subcommittee first took up House Bill 525, which would have transferred administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the related board to OPLC. The chair said the sponsor was no longer interested in moving forward, and Representative Schmidt moved ITL. The motion passed 14-0 with two members absent, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 182 on the maternal mortality review committee. The chair described a narrower amendment that would keep the name change, clarify operations so recommendations are returned to the appropriate entities, and expand contact with family members and close contacts, while dropping a proposed addition of a Department of Corrections member. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then moved ITL and placed on the consent calendar.
Senate Bill 185, dealing with OPLC investigations and backlog reduction, received an update from OPLC General Counsel Nicholas Fry. He described efforts to improve public communication, clear the complaint backlog, standardize intake and expert review, add automated responses and website updates, use weekly legal-viability reviews, create preliminary investigation protocols, and establish a process for law-enforcement referrals. Members asked about board involvement and criminal-conviction cases; Fry said boards are kept informed and that such matters can proceed either through complaints or application/background-check processes. Representative Groa requested a follow-up update in January, and the committee agreed to an oral report then if needed. The bill was then voted ITL unanimously and placed on the consent calendar.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 349 on optometrists performing ophthalmologic laser procedures. Dr. Angelique Sawyer testified in support, saying the amendment adds more specific proctoring and qualification requirements, based on language requested after earlier hearings, and that similar systems exist in other states. Representative Sers confirmed that the new sections were the key additions, while Representative Schmidt said he remained open to the concept but wanted a thorough review and asked about a subcommittee. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended, with no vote recorded on HB 349.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- The current makeup of optometry students nationwide is now predominantly women.
- I currently serve as the president and CEO of New England College of Optometry.
- and responsible public policy that cleans up the optometry law.
- I currently serve as the president's CEO of New England College of Optometry.
- My name is Kara Chung, and I'm a third-year optometry student at the New England College of Optometry
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on a wide range of bills focused on children’s health, tobacco control, newborn screening, pediatric cancer, palliative care, and professional licensure. Early testimony highlighted Senate bills to expand newborn screening for pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency, lysosomal storage disorders, and congenital CMV, with families and clinicians describing severe diagnostic delays, missed treatment windows, and the benefits of early detection. Speakers also supported a bill to improve pediatric cancer research through a dedicated trust fund, and a bill to extend pediatric palliative care services to age 22, with parents and providers emphasizing continuity of care for seriously ill young people.
Several witnesses gave personal accounts in support of the newborn screening measures. Families described children who endured years of misdiagnosis before receiving diagnoses such as Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, Pompe disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and CMV, often after irreversible damage had already occurred. Medical and advocacy witnesses said Massachusetts already collects some of the relevant screening data and argued that results should be reported to families, while others urged the committee to add conditions to the state panel because effective treatments already exist. The committee also heard support for a bill to establish a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder program and training for providers.
On tobacco and youth health, testimony supported bills to ban internet tobacco sales, strengthen youth protections, and reduce lung cancer deaths through point-of-sale information and quit-line access. A student testified about easily purchasing flavored nicotine products online without meaningful age verification, and public health advocates backed measures to keep tobacco out of children’s environments. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to ensure parents have access to their children’s medical records through age 16, with exceptions for sensitive services already protected by law.
The committee additionally took testimony on an optometry licensure bill, where ophthalmologists opposed language they said could broaden scope of practice and allow optometrists to use the title “optometric physician,” while optometry educators and students supported the bill as a modernization measure with no scope expansion. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair repeatedly reminded speakers of time limits and noted that written testimony could be submitted for additional comments.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 4th, 2026 at 08:36 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, this bill makes some changes to the Optometry Act that allows for optometrists to perform
- , which is completion of a 32-hour advanced procedure course approved by the New Mexico Board of Optometry
- or graduation from optometry school in 2026 or later with passage of a standardized national exam It
- I've been an adjunct professor for two schools of optometry starting in the 1980s and have established
- This This bill is now going, and if it passes, it will allow the Board of Optometry to provide those
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the executive director of the Minnesota Board of Optometry, which many of you may not have heard
- Board of Optometry which many of<01:10:28.080>
you <01:10:28.320>may <01:10:28.480> - we hear you Minnesota Board of Optometry we hear you better<01:10:37.560>
now <01:10:37.880>- board uh which was established optometry board uh which was established in<01:10:44.560>
1901 - is in Minnesota we do permit T Optometry is in Minnesota we do permit T Optometry<01:18:16.120>
um - board uh which was established optometry board uh which was established in<01:10:44.560>
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN DEFER, CPN Public Hearings 02-04-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- I also am the executive officer of the Board of Optometry, and the Board of Optometry stands on its written
- I also am the executive officer of the Board of Optometry, and the Board of Optometry stands on its written
- I also am the executive officer of the Board of Optometry, and the Board of Optometry stands on its written
- I also am the executive officer of the Board of Optometry, and the Board of Optometry stands on its written
- <00:21:31.120>
and officer of the board of Optometry and officer of the board of Optometry
Summary:
The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held decision-making and hearing sessions on February 4, 2025, covering a range of bills on public funds, cremation contracts, condominium insurance, insurance protections, veterinarians, landlord-tenant issues, agriculture, sex offender licensing restrictions, and service animals. In decision-making, SB 69 on deposits of public funds was passed with a defective effective date, SB 525 on cremation service contracts was deferred for later work on a concurrent resolution, SB 805 on condominium insurance was passed with amendments incorporating Attorney General recommendations, and SB 1141 on insurance protections was passed with amendments expanding the bill to catastrophic disasters and adding insurer response and loss-run reporting requirements. All of those measures were adopted by committee votes, with some members excused.
During the hearing portion, SB 493 on veterinarians drew mixed testimony: state agencies and animal welfare groups supported efforts to create a workforce development fund and scholarship/loan repayment program, while the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association opposed the bill as written, arguing the board lacked capacity to administer the program, suggesting more WICHE funding instead, and objecting to new licensing fees. SB 606 on online business registration received comments from DCCA, SB 822 on landlord-tenant injunctions drew opposition from HPD and comments from the Judiciary, and SB 825 on eviction mediation received broad support from mediation advocates, the Judiciary, and others. Other measures heard included SB 276 on false labeling of Hawaii-grown roasted coffee, SB 1293 on tenant recovery in disaster areas, SB 1369 on solvency reporting for insurers and mutual benefit societies, and SB 1373 on automatic license actions against registered sex offenders, which received support from DCCA and several licensing boards.
The committee also heard SB 1493 on emotional support animals, where the Attorney General raised constitutional and enforcement concerns, while disability advocates and others supported the bill and suggested clearer enforcement and disclosure language. SB 1662 on landlord application fees was also heard with comments from Hawaii Realtors and support testimony from individuals. In the later decision-making session, SB 493 was passed with amendments removing the proposed licensing fees and blanking appropriations, while SB 606 was deferred. SB 822 was passed with amendments adopting Judiciary recommendations, adding a Judiciary-facilitated working group to review the landlord-tenant code, and setting a defective effective date of July 1, 2050.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 10, 2025 - 10:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- But it is unclear on how it deals with the practice of optometry.
- That they would be a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry as a specialty designation is not in
- Noticeably absent is the practice of optometry.
- But you asked me to address whether an optometrist, a Ph.D. in optometry, or doctor or a physician of
- optometry can call themselves doctors.
Summary:
The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered two bills. HB 361, by Rep. Nix, would reclassify registered interns as registered associates for clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, and mental health counseling, and would streamline supervision rules by removing the requirement that licensed supervisors be physically present in private practice settings. Supporters said the bill would modernize terminology, reduce barriers to practice, and expand access to mental health care while maintaining supervision and public safety. Several members raised concerns about possible unintended effects on community health centers and Medicaid workforce issues, but the bill drew broad support and passed 17-0, reported favorably.
The committee then heard HB 1341, by Rep. Gonzales Pittman, which is aimed at preventing misuse of physician specialty titles and limiting those titles to practitioners who are actually board-certified in the specialty they claim. The sponsor emphasized that the bill does not address the general use of “doctor” or “physician,” only specialty designations such as dermatologist, gynecologist, neurologist, or plastic surgeon. Testimony in support came from medical and professional groups, including anesthesiologists and plastic surgeons, who said clearer titles help patients know who is treating them and improve safety. The Florida Optometric Association opposed the bill, arguing it could create confusion or omit optometric titles and other designations.
Two amendments were adopted without objection. One removed a hospital name-tag requirement from the bill. The other changed a claims-denial provision so that denial letters need only disclose that a Florida-licensed physician in good standing made the decision, while the insurer must retain the physician’s identifying information for potential litigation or discovery. Some members supported the privacy protections, while others questioned whether the amendment was germane to the bill. As amended, HB 1341 passed 13-4 and was reported favorably.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, HP 36 requires the optometry board to develop and administer credentialing requirements for optometrists
- These procedures are taught at all schools and colleges of optometry, and our training has been proven
- After completing undergraduate education, optometrists go on to study in optometry school for 4 years
- This is taught in all schools and colleges of optometry, which we don't always know what that training
- might be at the individual schools, which is why the New Mexico Board of Optometry, whose sole purpose
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 25th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- Item 10 outlines a request by the University of Houston to fund their college education. of optometry
- Yes, ma'am, thank you chairman, so I caught my attention that there's no current optometry program, but
- it is the only public school of optometry. in the state of Texas.
- You spoke about the optometry school.
- The College of Optometry at the University of Houston is the only public college of optometry. and which
OK
Bills:
SJR50, SJR51, SJR52, SJR53, SJR54, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1094, HJR1095, SJR49
Keywords:
Medicaid, federal funding, state law, healthcare, low-income adults, Oklahoma Constitution, healthcare regulations, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, permanent rules, joint resolution, OHCA, health care rules, administrative rules, major rule, Title 75, Title 317, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 317:30, health policy, state health programs
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 8th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Keywords:
rural hospitals, small hospitals, grant program, healthcare funding, Oklahoma health department, cosmetology, barbering, massage therapy, State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, Service Oklahoma, license renewal, license reinstatement, licensing fees, sunset extension, board membership, human trafficking, victim services, beauty school, barber school, esthetics
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services 2ND REVISED Apr 8th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 3004 extends the sunset on the Board of Examiners and Optometry to 2031.
Keywords:
rural hospitals, small hospitals, grant program, healthcare funding, Oklahoma health department, cosmetology, barbering, massage therapy, State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, Service Oklahoma, license renewal, license reinstatement, licensing fees, sunset extension, board membership, human trafficking, victim services, beauty school, barber school, esthetics