02/15/2026

SB 36: Optometry Surgery Legislation in Ohio

OOS Member Alert

After failing to pass an expansive surgery bill in 2024, Senators Jerry Cirino and George Lang, with the support of the Ohio Optometric Association, reintroduced similar legislation in 2025. The bill was recently amended in February 2026.

Substitute Senate Bill 36 (SB 36) would allow optometrists in Ohio to perform a wide range of surgical procedures. This legislation is dangerous for patients and unnecessary for Ohio. The Ohio Ophthalmological Society (OOS), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA) are vigorously opposing SB 36.

In October 2025, OOS and OSMA leadership and members testified before the Senate Health Committee in strong opposition. Following introduction of the amended bill in February 2026, OOS and OSMA sent a joint letter reiterating serious concerns regarding the lack of comparable medical school and residency surgical training and oversight required of physicians. 

SB 36 Would Allow Optometrists to:

• Perform laser surgeries, including capsulotomy, trabeculoplasty, and peripheral iridotomy
• Perform incision and curettage of a chalazion
• Remove or biopsy a skin lesion
• Excise or drain a conjunctival cyst or concretion
• Perform suturing (except corneal or scleral suturing)
• Inject drugs (except intravenously or into the globe of the eye)

What the Optometric Association Is Saying...
And Why It’s Not True:

“Improves Access” — False
No Ohio patient is more than approximately 30–45 minutes from an ophthalmologist. Expanding surgical scope does not address access barriers either distance or time.

“More Efficient Care” — Incorrect
Allowing non-physicians to perform surgery would likely increase duplicative services and referrals, fragment care, and drive up overall healthcare costs.

“Maintains a Well-Trained Workforce” — Misleading
There is no data demonstrating that optometrists are leaving Ohio due to current scope limitations. In fact, Ohio has more optometrists per capita today than in 2015.

What You Can Do to Protect Patient Safety:

✔ Volunteer to Meet with Your Legislator
Email: advocacy@ohioeye.org

✔ Watch for Action Alerts
Respond promptly to OOS emails and text alerts regarding SB 36 hearings.

✔ Engage Your Colleagues
Encourage other physicians in your community to stay informed and involved.

✔ Contribute to the Ohio Medical Eye PAC
Text OMEPAC to 41444