New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has vetoed a piece of legislation that would allow optometrists in the state to perform laser eye surgeries, according to an April 11 report from radio station KUNM.
The move was supported by the New Mexico Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Medical Association, the New Mexico Medical Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
“Patient safety and quality of care demand that patients be assured that individuals who perform invasive procedures, including eye surgery, have the appropriate medical education and training to do so,” James Madara, MD, executive vice president of the AMA, wrote in a letter opposing the legislation. “Simply put, optometrists do not have the education, training, or experience to perform any type of surgery, including scalpel or laser surgery involving the eye or tissues surrounding the eye.”
The bill would have allowed optometrists to perform laser eye surgery following 36 hours of coursework and four hours practicing on a model unsupervised by an eye surgeon.
Supporters of the legislation have argued that it would help to alleviate provider shortages, especially in more rural settings.
“I am vetoing this bill because it sets a dangerous precedent for allowing nonsurgeons to perform surgical procedures,” Ms. Grisham stated in her veto message. “There is no persuasive evidence that this bill would increase access to care. Data shows that expansion of laser authority for optometrists has not resulted in a statistically significant increase in access to these procedures for patients.”
Several other states, including Maine, have either considered or have ongoing legislation regarding practice expansion for optometrists.
Maine’s Legislature is considering legislation document that would allow optometrists to perform a range of complex surgical procedures, while other states are considering loosening restrictions.
In addition, 13 states allow optometrists to perform eyelid surgeries.
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