A bill allowing optometrists to perform certain surgical procedures instead of ophthalmologists is waiting Governor Asa Hutchinson’s signature, after passing out of the Senate 25-8 last week, with two members not voting. The House approved the bill earlier by a vote of 70-19, with 10 members not voting and one voting present.
Fort Smith/Fayetteville television station KFSM reports the house bill allows optometrists to perform what they call five minor surgical procedures.
Excluded are procedures involving general anesthesia and those that would penetrate the globe of the eye.
Among those speaking in opposition to the measure was Democratic State Representative Stephen Magie of Conway, an ophthalmologist with a medical degree.
Magie says the issue is the surgical judgment and who you want operating on your eyes. He says you want the person who has the most training, the most experience, and the best surgical judgment.
Supporters of the bill say it will also help people save money.
Magie argues it takes years of training to develop the skills needed to perform the kinds of surgery the bill allows.
He says there is nothing minor about surgery. As easy as some surgical procedures can be, there can be risks and complications and problems that can occur that optometrists are simply not equipped to manage.
Among those representing North Central Arkansas, Senators Scott Flippo of Bull Shoals and Breanne Davis of Russellville supported the measure, while Senator Missy Irvin of Mountain View opposed it. On the House side, Marsh Davis of Cherokee Village supported the measure, while Representatives Nelda Speaks of Mountain Home, Jack Fortner of Yellville and John Payton of Wilburn opposed it, and Michelle Gray of Melbourne voted present.
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