Video & Transcript Research : 'optometrists'
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AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/21/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair and members, Senate Bill 1023 requires an optometrist to conduct an eye examination according
- The bill allows an optometrist to extend the period of validity of an eyeglass prescription up to two
- Amber Dunn, an optometrist who also serves as the executive director of the Optometry Association.
Keywords:
merit-based hiring, public employees, non-discrimination, employment practices, Arizona Revised Statutes, optometrists, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, healthcare, vision care, 1182, all
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 1023, which would require optometrists to conduct eye exams according to the standard of care in the community at a recommended one-year interval, while allowing eyeglass prescriptions to be extended up to two years or shortened based on risk factors. The sponsor described it as a compromise between a longer prescription period and existing practice, and the Arizona Optometric Association supported the bill as codifying best practice and clarifying the standard. The committee moved the bill and gave SB 1023 a do pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 1013, a merit-based public hiring bill that would prohibit state and local public employers from using policies or practices that base hiring on race, ethnicity, sex, or national origin, while preserving compliance with anti-discrimination laws. An amendment was offered to clarify that the bill would not limit voluntary veterans’ preference employment policies, and the committee adopted that amendment. Supporters argued the bill would ensure public jobs are awarded based on qualifications and protect taxpayers; opponents argued it could undermine diversity efforts and that the veterans language was unnecessary or awkwardly drafted.
After testimony from supporters and debate over the amendment and the bill’s effect on diversity, veterans’ preferences, and prior criminal history in hiring, the committee voted on SB 1013 as amended. The bill received a due pass as amended recommendation on a 4-3 vote, and the committee then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, members, Senate Bill 1023 establishes standards for optometrists to conduct eye examinations
- Additionally, the bill allows an optometrist to extend the period of validity of an eyeglass prescription
- It provides that an eye exam by an optometrist includes patient eye health and vision, and the resulting
- It affects optometrists, not ophthalmologists, but optometrists probably do about 90% of what would be
- Amber Dunn, who's an optometrist.
Keywords:
optometrists, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, healthcare, vision care, behavior analysis, licensing, psychologist examiners, state regulations, committee authority, mental health, court-ordered treatment, outpatient treatment, audiovisual technology, secure facilities, evaluations, guardian powers, patient rights, assisted living, occupants
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Human Services heard and advanced four Senate bills. SB 1242 would allow courts to conduct mental health evaluation and treatment hearings, or specified testimony in those hearings, virtually by telephone or video if the court finds no unfair prejudice; a speaker said it would codify existing practice and help avoid dismissals caused by technical issues. SB 1145 would transfer licensure and regulation of behavior analysts from the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners to the existing Behavior Analyst Committee, with supporters saying it would improve efficiency and eliminate unnecessary board ratification delays. Both bills received due pass recommendations on 11-0 votes, with one member absent.
The committee also considered SB 1247, an emergency measure allowing a person who does not receive care services to live with a resident in an assisted living center or home if the facility permits it. Supporters said the bill would clarify a recent statutory interpretation and preserve longstanding arrangements, such as spouses or other companions living together; one member raised concerns about the bill’s broad wording and potential fraud or safety issues, while another noted facilities could still impose background checks or other conditions. SB 1247 passed with a 10-0 recommendation, with one member voting present and one absent.
Finally, SB 1023 would set standards for optometrists’ eye examinations, including a recommended one-year exam interval and authority to extend eyeglass prescription validity up to two years depending on patient factors. The Arizona Optometric Association supported the bill as codifying best practices, and one member said a constituent from the blind community had helped bring the issue forward. The committee gave SB 1023 a due pass recommendation on an 11-0 vote, then adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services May 14th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- There are serious concerns that Vision Benefit Managers are excluding qualified optometrists from their
- House Bill 3211 ensures that any optometrist or therapeutic optometrist who meets a VBM's credentialing
- That's right, for our optometrists. We're not gathered up by vision plans?
- Tommy Lucas. ...and I'm an optometrist practicing in Killeen, Texas.
- Kate Walters, and I'm an optometrist practicing in Brenham, Texas.
Bills:
HB107, HB742, HB1639, HB1700, HB2071, HB2187, HB2402, HB2516, HB3211, HB4529, HB5342, HB694, HB923, HB4655, HB107
Keywords:
sickle cell disease, registry, health data, confidentiality, healthcare access, human trafficking, first responders, health care, training, reporting, protection, cancer, female firefighters, health study, state health services, fire protection, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health records
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- With two major VBMs even when optometrists meet all credentialing requirements.
- HB 3211 ensures that any optometrist or therapeutic optometrist who meets a VBM's credentialing requirements
- For our optometrist. That's right. We're not gathered up by vision plans.
- Tommy Lucas, and I'm an optometrist practicing in Colleen, Texas.
- Mary Kay Walters, and I'm an optometrist practicing in Brenham, Texas.
Bills:
HB 107, HB742, HB1639, HB1700, HB2071, HB2187, HB2402, HB2516, HB3211, HB4529, HB5342, HB694, HB923, HB4655
Keywords:
sickle cell disease, registry, health data, confidentiality, healthcare access, human trafficking, first responders, health care, training, reporting, protection, cancer, female firefighters, health study, state health services, fire protection, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health records
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a series of health and human services bills and left each one pending after public testimony. HB 4655 would expand financial literacy instruction for youth aging out of foster care to include credit scores, predatory lending, scams, banking, budgeting, and related consumer topics; the sponsor and Buckner International described the need to protect foster youth from financial pitfalls. HB 923 would add three public members and one physician to the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel; supporters said it would improve informed consent and patient voice, while a witness raised concerns about a House amendment requiring a physician majority for decisions and senators questioned scope-of-practice limits. HHSC said the panel is an independent body and the bill expressly bars it from changing scope of practice.
TX
Keywords:
HB 1818, Texas Insurance Code, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, health maintenance organization, HMO, insurer, utilization review, preauthorization, prior authorization, medical necessity review, health care services, medical care, insurance regulation, insurance examination, regulatory oversight, confidential records, public information exception, Chapter 843, Chapter 1301
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- As a result, patients cannot always choose the optometrist that they trust because that optometrist may
- In our contracts with that optometrist. Okay.
- I'm an optometrist. In Killeen, Texas.
- Locking out hundreds of Texas optometrists from participation when more optometrists are needed to care
- No, I'm an independent, private-practice optometrist.
Keywords:
HB 1818, Texas Insurance Code, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, health maintenance organization, HMO, insurer, utilization review, preauthorization, prior authorization, medical necessity review, health care services, medical care, insurance regulation, insurance examination, regulatory oversight, confidential records, public information exception, Chapter 843, Chapter 1301
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
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25 - Part 2
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And I would think that ophthalmologists and optometrists optometrists who may not may or may not optometrists
- Optometrists are not.
- Optometrists are not.
- Optometrists are not.
- I don't think for one moment any doctor,<00:44:03.839>
optometrist, doctor, optometrist, doctor