Expand Scope of Practice for ODs

As health care professionals, we help patients maintain and improve their health everyday. We need to be allowed to use all of our training, education and expertise to aid our patients to the fullest extent. There’s a bill pending in the state legislature that would help optometrists do just that. SB 1406, by Sen. Lou Correa, would expand optometrists’ scope of practice and remove unnecessary restrictions. Please take this opportunity to educate members of the state legislature about the important work optometrists do and stand up for expanding optometrists' scope of practice.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Expand Optometrists' Scope of Practice

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I'm a member of United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals-AFSCME. We are a 16,000-member union made up of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and optometrists.

I'm writing to ask for your support of SB 1406, which would allow optometrists to use their training and expertise to the fullest extent to help patients maintain and improve their vision and lead healthier lives.

Right now, there are many unnecessary restrictions on optometrists' scope of practice. This has the effect of preventing many patients from getting the eye care they need in the most cost-effective way. Optometrists can provide better access to general public for primary eye care, which prevents redundant doctor visits and therefore saves money.

Optometrists are extensively educated and trained through four years postgraduate study, externships, and residencies to diagnose and treat all diseases and abnormalities of the visual and associated systems. Fully 42 other states already have a more expansive optometric scope of practice, allowing optometrists to practice to the full extent of their training.

As an health care professional in California, I simply want optometrists to have the same opportunity to use their education and expertise to serve patients to the maximum extent possible.

Seven out of 10 eye care patients see an Optometric Doctor first. For many of them the optometrist is the first and sometimes only health care provider they will see. This helps with early detection and treatment of eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, and glaucoma.

Please help your constituents have the access to the eye care they need and support SB 1406.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 29, 2008

Background Information

Optometrists help patients maintain and improve their vision everyday. They should be allowed to use all of their training, education and expertise to aid patients to the fullest extent. A bill pending in the state legislature, SB 1406, by Sen. Lou Correa, would expand optometrists’ scope of practice and remove unnecessary restrictions.

This bill is an opportunity to help legislators understand that optometrists can provide better access to general public for primary eye care, which prevents redundant doctor visits and therefore saves money.

Fully 42 other states already have a more expansive optometric scope of practice, allowing optometrists to practice to the full extent of their training.

Seven out of 10 eye care patients see an Optometric Doctor first. For many of them the optometrist is the first – and, sometimes, only – health care provider they will see. This helps with early detection and treatment of eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, and glaucoma.

Optometrists are extensively educated and trained through four years postgraduate study, externships, and residencies to diagnose and treat all diseases and abnormalities of the visual and associated systems.

SB 1406 would remove existing restrictions on optometry’s practice and makes clear that optometrist should be allowed to practice to the full extent of their training from an accredited school and college of optometry.