Video & Transcript Research : 'optometrist'
Page 1 of 10
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Apr 2nd, 2025
Ways and Means Education
Keywords:
workers' compensation, public education, employee injury, insurance trust fund, on-the-job injury, administrative procedures, HB176, Alabama sales tax, use tax, sales and use tax exemption, optical aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses, prescription glasses, vision care, optometrist, ophthalmologist, optician, medical devices, local option tax exemption
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Feb 26th, 2025
Public Safety and Homeland Security
Keywords:
law enforcement, retirement benefits, Alabama Peace Officers, agency-issued badge, agency-issued pistol, resisting arrest, custody, public safety, Alabama law, traffic infractions, traffic ticket, disposition, criminal contempt, vessel registration, boating fees, state funds, regulatory changes, water safety, compliance, false information
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We left out the word optometrist.
- And so that is just taking this bill and adding the word optometrist to be able to write these prescriptions
- We left out the word<00:10:01.680>
optometrist. - And so that is just word optometrist.
- to be able to write these optometrist to be able to write these prescriptions.<00:10:07.680>
And<
Keywords:
transportation, tow trucks, variable message signs, road safety, emergency service, optometrist, window glazing, motor vehicle regulations, medical prescriptions, transportation safety, infrastructure, construction, appropriation, state project, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, transportation regulations, safety standards, dealer license
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Feb 25th, 2026
Finance and Taxation Education
Bills:
HB178, HB124, HB96, HB250, SB289, SB317, HB359, HB178, HB124, HB96, HB250, SB289, SB317, HB359
Keywords:
HB178, Ten Commandments, public schools, K-12 education, Alabama, school display, religious display, Bible, Judeo-Christian, Establishment Clause, church-state separation, religion in schools, founding documents, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Northwest Ordinance, social studies, civics, history curriculum
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Business and Insurance REVISED Feb 5th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Business and Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- address because it talks about that it limits contracts that between vision plan organizations and optometrists
- four, top line, line one, section number Three, so this would prohibit either incentivizing an optometrist
- And I get a discount through the insurance program that I use with my optometrist.
- we prohibit that through this bill, that now I will pay more for the contacts I order through my optometrist
- 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
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Mar 18th, 2026
Ways and Means Education
Bills:
HB527, HB563, HB580, HB579, SB190, HB15, HB390, HB527, HB563, HB580, HB579, SB190, HB15, HB390
Keywords:
liability, off-roading, parks, participant safety, risk management, SNAP, food assistance, public assistance, income standards, Department of Human Resources, eligibility, HB580, Alabama Healthy Schools Act, public schools, K-12, school nutrition, school meals, cafeteria, vending machines, fundraising sales
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Finance and Taxation Education
Keywords:
rural health, hospital funding, tax credits, qualified donations, Alabama Department of Revenue, HB273, Hunger-Free Campus Act, hunger free campus, food insecurity, college hunger, student hunger, campus pantry, food pantry, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, basic needs, student food assistance, meal vouchers, meal credits, food vouchers
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- of optometrist in S64. of optometrist in S64.
- optometrists who graduated. optometrists who graduated.
- My<01:08:55.839>
optometrists My optometrists My optometrists have<01:08:57.839>done <01 - I trust my optometrist. optometrist. optometrist.
- optometrists every two years. optometrists every two years.
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.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 20, 2025 - 02:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Optometrists already do.
- Optometrists already do.
- The optometrist already do.
- found it, and my optometrist found it, and then I was...
- that found it and my optometrist found it and then I was it.
Summary:
The subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up five health-related bills. HB 1089, which would add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to Florida’s newborn screening panel, was presented as a way to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment; a pediatric neurologist from Nemours testified in support, noting existing FDA-approved therapies and ongoing clinical trials. After supportive debate, the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably.
HB 1083 would standardize patient access to medical records by setting deadlines for providers to produce or allow inspection of records and requiring electronic delivery when available. Supporters said it would reduce delays in care and costs, while two industry groups appeared in opposition. Members from both parties spoke in favor, and the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. HB 1297, which aligns Florida’s electronic prescribing rules more closely with federal law and removes some state exceptions, drew opposition from physicians who argued paper prescriptions are still needed for emergencies, shortages, and price shopping. The sponsor said the bill’s goals were patient safety, fraud prevention, and efficiency; despite concerns, it passed 18-0 and was reported favorably.
The committee then considered PCS for HB 1421, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which would create a statewide blood clot and pulmonary embolism registry, require hospital reporting and risk-assessment policies, and expand training requirements in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The bill was presented with emotional testimony from Emily Adkins’ parents, who urged support and co-sponsorship in her memory. Members from both parties praised the family’s advocacy, and the PCS passed 18-0 and was reported favorably.
Finally, HB 449 on optometry would expand optometrists’ authority to prescribe certain medications and perform specified laser and non-laser eye procedures after certification. The bill and amendment drew strong opposition from ophthalmologists and their association, who raised patient-safety, training, and delegation concerns, while optometrists argued the bill would improve access, especially in rural areas and counties without ophthalmologists. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended passed on a recorded vote and was reported favorably.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- of where optometrists can practice across this nation.
- I'm Bridget Axelson, a practicing optometrist residing in St.
- The need is real, and optometrists are ready to help.
- First, optometrists expand their scope once implemented.
- Optometrists have, but we didn't really hear anything about what kind of training optometrists get for
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Nothing in this bill is optometrists.
- This bill optometrists repeatedly.
- >
where <00:07:47.599>optometrists <00:07:48.319>can middle of where optometrists - Saying optometrists aren't bill.
- optometrist do during their training? optometrist do during their training?
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/25/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:38:22.520>
across the 1,200 licensed optometrist across the 1,200 licensed optometrist - successful treatment by optometrist successful treatment by optometrist thank<00:41:06.119>
you - One optometrist works with contact lenses, two optometrists work in low vision, another optometrist has
- One optometrist works in contact lenses, two optometrists work in low vision, another optometrist has
- opthalmologists and three optometrists opthalmologists and three optometrists and<01:06:45.160><
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Health committee approves HF2464, the omnibus health policy bill 4/2/25
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:08:53.080>
were hundreds when when the optometrists were hundreds when when the optometrists - written that said that an optometrist written that said that an optometrist could<00:10:13.880><
- that opthalmologist and optometrist that opthalmologist and optometrist would<00:13:55.720>
want - <00:15:12.839>
to allowing allowing optometrists to allowing allowing optometrists to practice - <00:16:06.839>
are optometrists are optometrists are not<00:16:08.920>so <00:16:09.639>
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (01/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- $75,000 I know our local optometrist $75,000 I know our local optometrist said<04:09:15.439>
- to perform these procedures optometrist to perform these procedures um<04:11:47.920>
optometrist< - Because I do know that when I'm going to switch up the optometrist and optometrist here, but optometrists
- Sawyer, an optometrist.
- I'm not an optometrist.
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on House Bill 144 and House Bill 145, both related to professional licensing for dietitians and dental hygienists. HB 144 was described as a technical fix to align statute with existing Board of Dental Examiners rules allowing dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide and local anesthesia, with supporters saying the bill would add needed training and examination requirements to statute. A dentist and dental society representative testified that the practice is already being done safely within scope, and committee members discussed whether nitrous oxide is still used and whether the bill was mainly to keep the paperwork and law consistent. The committee moved HB 144 forward on a 12-0 vote and placed it on consent.
HB 145 would join New Hampshire to a dietitian licensure compact and add a criminal history check for initial licensure to match compact language. The sponsor and board witnesses said the compact would improve portability, support telehealth, help military families and spouses, and maintain public safety by ensuring qualified practitioners and information-sharing among member states. Committee members asked about withdrawal from the compact, the difference between single-state and compact licensure, and why a background check was included; the witness said the compact is not yet active, with four states enacted and seven needed, and that the background check is required by the compact language. Additional testimony from a private-practice dietitian supported the bill, citing continuity of care, rural access, and workforce mobility, while some members raised concerns about telehealth across state lines and the practical effect of the background check.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 14th, 2026 at 01:49 pm
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It requires that before an optometrist performs one of these laser procedures, the optometrist must obtain
- Patient understands the optometrist is not a medical doctor or osteopathic doctor, that the optometrist
- I know my optometrists are optometrists. They have a doctorate in optometry.
- How many other states allow optometrists to do laser surgery?
- How many rural optometrists have that equipment? Mr.
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
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I respect optometrists' work, but there's a critical difference in our training.
- And this isn't just about optometrists versus ophthalmologists.
- The YA would be performed by a licensed optometrist.
- I find the difference in hours of training between optometrists and ophthalmologists.
- The optometrist had about 1,768 hours.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- If we are looking to bring more optometrists to the state and provide high-quality care, allowing optometrists
- Allowing optometrists who are trained in these procedures to do them will help bring more optometrists
- I'm a practicing optometrist in Gallup, New Mexico.
- downhill, it'd give the optometrists a right to do this.
- My father was an optometrist. My grandfather was an optometrist. And my uncle was an optometrist.
Keywords:
medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (5-12-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- standard as every other optometrist standard as every other optometrist practicing<00:14:15.800>
- . optometrists.
- financial impact of allowing optometrist financial impact of allowing optometrist to<00:19:34.920
- For this reason, every other optometrist For this reason, every other optometrist in<00:24:54.720
- <00:35:20.160>
to very difficult for an optometrist to very difficult for an optometrist to
Summary:
The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection.
Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection.
Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (10/01/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- uh process uh uh for optometrists uh process uh uh for optometrists uh<00:37:18.640>
once - Um there is a study by the optometrist Um there is a study by the optometrist uh<01:15:54.320>
- that optometrists could safely do laser. that optometrists could safely do laser.
- are safe when performed by optometrists. are safe when performed by optometrists.
- opthalmologist or an optometrist. opthalmologist or an optometrist.
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.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes omnibus health policy bill, HF2464 5/15/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's important to note that in our communities, optometrists and ophthalmologists get along famously.
- time, optometrists routinely this time, optometrists routinely perform<00:11:00.000>
procedures <00:11:39.120>these <00:11:39.440>minor for optometrists to perform these minor for - optometrists to perform these minor eyelid<00:11:40.240>
procedures <00:11:40.640>will - <00:11:47.519>
and communities, optometrists and communities, optometrists and opthalmologists