01/30/2025

SB 36 – Optometry Reintroduces Surgery Legislation in Ohio

 

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After failing to pass an expansive surgery bill last year, Senator Jerry Cirino, with the support of the Ohio Optometric Association, has reintroduced similar language in 2025. SB 36 allows optometrists in Ohio to do a variety of surgical procedures. This bill is dangerous for patients, unnecessary, and the OOS, AAO and OSMA will vigorously oppose it.

What it allows optometrists to do:

• laser surgery consisting of capsulotomy, trabeculoplasty, or peripheral iridotomy;
• the incision and curettage of a chalazion;
• the removal and biopsy of a skin lesion;
• the excision or drainage of a conjunctival cyst or concretion;
• any suturing other than corneal and scleral suturing; and
• any injection, other than an intravenous or intraocular injection, of a drug.

What the optometric association is saying and why it is not true:

• Improves Access – Optometrists doing these procedures does not help with access to care. No patients in Ohio are more than a 30-45 minute drive from an ophthalmologist.
• More Efficient Care – This actually makes care less efficient by creating duplicative and unnecessary tests and services.
• Maintain Well-Trained Work Force – There is no data to suggest optometrists are leaving or not coming to Ohio due to not being able to do these procedures, and there are more optometrists per capita today in Ohio than there were ten years ago.
  
  

What can you do as an ophthalmologist in Ohio to protect patient safety?

1. Give to the Ohio Medical Eye PAC by texting OMEPAC to 41444.
2. Email advocacy@ohioeye.org if you’re available to meet with your local legislator.
3. Respond to emails and texts from us to contact your legislator when the bill has hearings.
4. Encourage your ophthalmology colleagues to do (1), (2) and (3) above.

Read the full text of SB 36 >