On Thursday, April 24, dangerous legislation (HB 449) passed the Florida House. This bill has been sent to the Senate and is awaiting action. There is no companion bill but we must remain vigilant and are urging all ophthalmologists and Floridians to contact their Senators to discuss the dangers of this legislation. This bill is pushing to give the Florida Board of Optometry full control to determine the scope of practice for optometrists and in addition is seeking to expand their scope to include injections, scalpel eyelid and laser eye surgery. Finally, if this legislation passes it would also extend optometry’s prescribing authority to virtually all oral medications, including opioids.
We need all ophthalmologists and Floridians to call and email their legislators. Click here to find your Senator.