2023 News Archive
Jump to:
- OPW Dues & WOPAC Collection Update - 12/10/2023
- Optometrist Continuing Education Requirement (Changes) - 10/26/2023
- ESSB 5229 Health Equity - CR 103 (Concise Explanatory Statement) - 10/24/2023
- Optometrist-performed YAG capsulotomies shown effective, safe and beneficial for patients - 9/14/2023
- 2023 Legislative Victories Boost Optometry’s Credibility, More Changes Looming - 8/25/2023
- Board of Optometry filed CR-101, Substitute Senate Bill 5389 - 7/25/2023
- Board of Optometry Rescinds Policy Statement OB 20-01.1 Continuing Education Requirements During the COVID-19 Response - 6/23/2023
- Breaking News: FL “Not A Doctor” Bill Vetoed in Victory for Doctors of Optometry - 6/2/2023
- Board of Optometry Recruitment - 5/30/2023
- Gov. Inslee Signs Bill to Update Optometric Scope of Practice - 5/9/2023
- Washington Scope Bill Awaiting Governor’s Signature - 4/26/2023
OPW Dues & WOPAC Collection Update
Effective January 1 - the OPW State Office will process ALL payments in 2024, including dues & WOPAC, with your regular dues invoice for easier payment options.
NO credit cards that are stored with AOA will transfer to OPW. It is imperative to update your payments for OPW by completing this quick questionnaire.
If you have auto payments set up through your bank, please update our mailing address with your Bill Pay service. If you are mailing your payments, please send it to:
PO BOX 338
Eatonville WA 98328
|
|
Optometrist Continuing Education Requirement (Changes)
Effective Nov. 26, 2023 - The WA Board of Optometry adopted rule amendments to allow additional online continuing education (CE) and define synchronous and asynchronous learning methods. The adopted rule amendments include new definitions, minimum and maximum CE hours by categories, reference to other required trainings, CE documentation requirements, state of emergency provision, listing national organization, and clarifying self-study requirements. View the CR-103 Rule-Making Order in the link below.
|
|
ESSB 5229 Health Equity - CR 103 (Concise Explanatory Statement)
Effective Nov. 26, 2023 - The WA State Department of Health has filed a CR103 package regarding health equity continuing education. All health professionals are required to complete two hours of health equity continuing education (CE) every four years. The department model rules also require that the two CE hours include implicit bias training to identify strategies to reduce bias during assessment and diagnosis. The adopted rule does not add to the total CE hours required to renew the license. For more information, click and read the linked Concise Explanatory Statement below.
|
|
Optometrist-performed YAG capsulotomies shown effective, safe and beneficial for patients
Currently, licensed doctors of optometry in 10 states perform YAG laser capsulotomy and a new study provides further evidence to support its use in optometric practice.
|
|
2023 Legislative Victories Boost Optometry’s Credibility, More Changes Looming
After months of uncertainty, courtesy of a lingering Florida bill threatening to strip optometrists of their ‘physician’ title, a few 2023 legislative victories have given optometrists a reason to celebrate.
|
|
Board of Optometry filed CR-101, Substitute Senate Bill 5389
The board is considering amendments to implement SSB 5389 (chapter 400, laws of 2023) which expands the optometrist scope of practice to include certain advanced procedures and establishes requirements for a license endorsement.
|
|
Board of Optometry Rescinds Policy Statement OB 20-01.1 Continuing Education Requirements During the COVID-19 Response
After May 11, 2023 license renewal requirements return to a maximum of 10 hours of remote study and a maximum of 25 hours of self-directed study continuing education may count towards the total 50 hours.
|
|
Breaking News: FL “Not A Doctor” Bill Vetoed in Victory for Doctors of Optometry
In a critical win, the Florida Optometric Association (FOA) shared the important announcement that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis today vetoed the proposed “Not a Doctor” bill, SB 230.
|
|
Board of Optometry Recruitment
The Department of Health, Health Systems Quality Assurance, is accepting applications to fill two vacancies on the Board of Optometry.
|
|
Gov. Inslee Signs Bill to Update Optometric Scope of Practice
SSB 5389, Access to Eyecare Act, increases access to safe, quality eyecare.
|
|
Washington Scope Bill Awaiting Governor’s Signature
SSB 5389 would authorize ODs to perform several advanced procedures—excluding lasers—and expand prescribing rights.
|
|