OPW News Alerts and Links
Jump to:
- AOA Statement on Tariffs - 4/15/2025
- Optometrists Should Be Allowed To Perform Simple Laser Procedures, Expert Says - 4/10/2025
- Advanced Procedure Endorsement - 2/10/2025
Additional sources for optometry news and updates:
AOA Statement on Tariffs
Tariffs impact optometry practices and the delivery of essential eye health and vision care. The AOA will maintain a continuous dialogue regarding tariff policy with White House and Federal agency officials and Members of Congress and will advise policy makers regarding any potential areas of harm to patients, doctors, critical medical device, equipment and related supply chains and the overall health care delivery system. Doctors with questions or concerns about incoming tariff-related communications they’re receiving from health plans and vision benefit managers (VBMs), manufacturers, suppliers and vendors are asked to contact AOA’s President, Dr. Steven Reed, at President@AOA.org.
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Optometrists Should Be Allowed To Perform Simple Laser Procedures, Expert Says
Edward J. Simmons, founding director of the Knee Regulatory Research Center and a senior research fellow with the Archbridge Institute, writes on his Substack (4/10) that ophthalmologists are currently the “lone provider in the market that can perform more invasive procedures like cataract surgery and LASIK.” He notes that an estimated 12% decline in ophthalmologists through 2035 coincides with a 24% increase in demand, and there are “no easy solutions to addressing this imbalance.” While optometrists “are not perfect substitutes for ophthalmologists,” Simmons advocates for “empowering optometrists to work to the full extent of their training.”
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Advanced Procedure Endorsement
The Board of Optometry has adopted rules related to advanced procedures and education standards. The rule amendments adopt new statutory provisions that allow optometrists to perform advanced procedures if they have a license endorsement.
Background
This links to the WAC 246-851-515 addressing this endorsement: Advanced Procedures
Process
Print, complete, and submit the linked application: Optometry Advanced Procedures Application
If you have any additional questions, you can reach out to Optometry@doh.wa.gov
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