(WHAS11) All eyes are on a bill that would expand on the procedures optometrists are allowed to perform. The bill would allow them to do some surgeries that have only been done before by ophthalmologists.
People we spoke with had different opinions, but most of them still had concerns about patient safety.
“I think this is bad medicine for Kentucky and for the people of Kentucky,” said Dr. Tim Conrad, an ophthalmologist. He, like many other opponents, says optometrists aren’t qualified to perform eye surgeries. Unlike ophthalmologists, optometrists do not go to medical school, instead they go through a four year training program.
Backers of the bill say it allows optometrists to perform only procedures they’re trained for, none of which would require general anesthesia. It would also specifically exclude certain complex procedures like Lasik surgery.
A spokesperson for the governor said he plans to review the issues and talk to interested parties before making any decision.
