SALT LAKE CITY – Controversy surrounds Utah’s SB210 as it advances through the legislature, aiming to grant optometrists the authority to perform specific laser procedures. While the bill excludes LASIK or cataract surgery, it proposes allowing optometrists to conduct a YAG Laser Capsulotomy and a Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT).
Ophthalmologists are divided on the matter, with some asserting that optometrists lack the necessary medical school training and competency for these surgeries. Dr. Richard Corey, an ophthalmologist in Provo, emphasizes the potential patient safety risks, stating, “I would not want someone who just took a very brief course to start doing procedures that carry definite risk without enough background or education.”
Dr. Clint Duncan from Mountain Eye Institute echoes concerns about safety, emphasizing the importance of adequate training in case of complications. He adds, “These are safe procedures, but if a procedure goes wrong, you have to have the training to know what to do. And that’s what makes me nervous for patients.”
Conversely, some optometrists argue that the bill would enhance access to medical care for Utah residents. Dr. Ross Chatwin, an optometrist in Salt Lake City, contends that while he did not attend medical school, he received training for these procedures during optometry school. He emphasizes the importance of allowing trained and educated professionals to perform these procedures safely.
SB210, sponsored by Rep. James Dunnigan R-Taylorsville and Sen. Curtis Bramble R-Utah County, mirrors a similar bill from 2022 that ultimately failed. Bramble addresses ophthalmologists’ opposition, stating, “For the ophthalmologist to say that the optometrists are unqualified, they have not put forward any proposal. They’ve just said no. And as a policy maker, that’s very frustrating.”
The bill has successfully passed the Health and Human Services Committee and now awaits a vote on the Senate floor, potentially occurring as early as next week. Dr. Bradley Katz with Moran Eye Center shares his perspective, saying, “I work very closely with optometrists. I have a lot of respect for their training and expertise. I just don’t think they should be doing surgery.”
