11/11/2025

OOS Members Advocate Against Optometric Surgical Bill (SB 36)

The Ohio Optometric Association continues to push for changes in state law that would allow optometrists to perform a wide range of surgical procedures—including those involving lasers, scalpels, and injections. Senate Bill 36 would make Ohio one of the most expansive states in terms of optometric scope of practice.

On October 22, ophthalmology and the broader medical community provided opposition testimony before the Senate Health Committee in response to this concerning legislation.

OOS President Dr. Aleksandra Rachitskaya, Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Nicole Bajic, member Dr. Ken Cahill, resident member Dr. Adrienne Delaney, and Monica Hueckel, OSMA VP of Advocacy, all delivered powerful oral testimony and answered committee questions. Their professionalism and dedication represent the best of our specialty—thank you to each of them for their time, advocacy, and leadership.

We also extend our gratitude to Future Leaders in Sight and The Academy of Medicine of Cleveland and Northern Ohio for submitting written testimony in opposition to SB 36.

Additionally, OOS leadership thanks all members who met with legislators throughout the summer and fall to educate them about ophthalmic surgery and eye care delivery in Ohio. While testimony has concluded, our advocacy efforts continue, and your support remains vital. If you haven’t already, please consider contributing to the Ohio Medical Eye PAC before year-end.

For questions about SB 36 or our advocacy efforts, contact oos@ohioeye.org.

Make a PAC Contribution:
https://ohioeye.org/aws/OSMA/pt/sp/OOS_pac

Watch Oral Testimony:
https://ohiochannel.org/collections/ohio-senate-health-committee

Read Written Testimony:
https://ohiosenate.gov/committees/health/meetings/cmte_s_health_1_2025-10-22-1030_785