Washington’s outdated scope of practice laws
prevent trained optometrists from fully caring for their patients.
These restrictions reduce access to and
increase costs of high quality eye care in our state.
The Washington Eye Care Alliance is a coalition of optometrists, optometry students, patients and other healthcare providers working to update the scope of practice for optometrists in our state.
BREAKING NEWS
BREAKING NEWS
WE DID IT!
On, May 9, Gov. Jay Inslee signed SSB 5389, the Access to Eyecare Act, updating optometric scope of practice laws in our state for the first time in two decades! The changes, overwhelmingly approved by the Legislature and governor, will ensure access to safe, affordable eye care for more Washingtonians in every corner of our state.
We want to thank the OPW Board of Directors, including current President Mike Sirott and Past Presidents David Stanfield and Judy Chan, along with Government Affairs Co-Chairs Nick Jankowski and Justin Dalke and Grassroots Chairs Jennifer Crown and Paul Jensen, for their countless hours of volunteer work on this legislation. This is a tremendous achievement for OPW members and for the patients we serve.
We also want to thank our members for their support and willingness to engage with legislators throughout this process. Your voice was a vital part of this effort; thank you!
In the coming months, OPW will be providing updates on Board of Optometry rulemaking related to the implementation of this legislation. Watch for additional updates via email, on social media and in our newsletter, FYEyes.
Video: “Improving Eye Care Access in WA”
Mark Maraman, OD with the Pacific Cataract & Laser Institute, explains indications for a YAG capsulotomy.
Jackelyn Meyer, OD performs an SLT procedure on a model eye while Bill Benedict observes via live video projection on a computer monitor.
Dr. Maraman explains indications for an SLT to state Rep. Bruce Chandler. Looking on are Chris Babin, OD and Evan Beus, OD.
Legislators, legislative candidates and Yakima-area optometrists gathered at Pacific Cataract & Laser Institute in Yakima to learn more about laser usage.
Dr. Robert Gibbs of the Pacific Cataract & Laser Institute, addresses legislators, legislative candidates and OPW members about the safe use of lasers in optometric practice during a YVOS event in Yakima.