Expanded scope of practice for optometrists sent to governor

A bill that will expand the scope of practice for optometrists was adopted by the House today and is on its way to the governor.

House Bill 1302, authored by Rep. Jason White, will allow optometrists to examine, diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the eye, something they are currently prohibited from doing.

By removing this current barrier to care and granting optometrists the authority to provide care consistent with their training and experience, we will have the ability to clear substantial backlogs and Mississippians will see expanded access to eye care.

Because the House concurred with changes to the bill in the Senate, the bill is now in the process of being sent to Gov. Tate Reeves.