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Optometrists could do some surgery under W.Va. bill

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted March 15, 2010

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Organized medicine is opposing a West Virginia bill that would allow optometrists to perform surgical procedures, including laser surgery to treat glaucoma, and to order tests to diagnose and treat patients. The measure heads to the state House after receiving Senate approval in late February. A hearing before a House health committee was expected to begin in early March.

In a March 4 letter to House lawmakers, the American Medical Association expressed concern that the scope of practice changes put patients at risk because optometrists do not have the necessary medical education and training to ensure that such complex procedures are performed safely. The West Virginia State Medical Assn., West Virginia Academy of Ophthalmology, and a coalition of other medical and hospital organizations have joined in opposing the bill.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/03/15/prbf0315.htm.

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