CHARLESTON — Optometrists and ophthalmologists squared off Wednesday for a revival of last year’s battle over a proposed expansion of the former’s field of practice.
Originally, the thrust of SB230 was to allow optometrists to perform surgery — a key source of contention.
But a committee substitute bill sent out less than 24 hours in advance of an airing before the Senate Committee on Government Organization generally abandons the surgery provision.
Yet, the measure still permits some limited injections and laboratory work, which 15 groups oppose, ranging from the West Virginia State Medical Association to AARP
Sen. Ed Bowman, D-Hancock, who chairs the committee, said the measure would reappear before his panel next week.
Thom Stevens, a lobbyist for several medical groups, attacked the bill as too far-reaching.
“This bill is the most radical departure from the scope of optometry than any state in the country,” he said.
But Dr. B.J. Nibert, an Oak Hill optometrist, said the intent of the legislation is to provide “better care, better access, better cost.”
“We cover more counties,” he told the committee.
“We have more practitioners. We provide the primary care. We’ve heard some pretty wild accusations about what’s included or what may happen with this bill. It’s a very restrictive law. There are lots of guidelines.”
Nibert told the senators they must realize that the groups in opposition are “related to the American Medical Association,” which resists any expansion of a non-medical profession.
Dr. Steve Powell of Morgantown, an ophthalmologist, however, pointed to the “vast” disparities in the education and training his profession undergoes as contrasted with optometrists.
Hoping to allay concerns over some limited laser procedures, Dr. Bill Ratcliff of Huntington said, “Nobody is going to be out there doing anything they’re not qualified to do.”
Powell also zeroed in on allowing optometrists performing certain injections, suggesting they are risky and could leave a patient blind.
“These injections are dangerous and have reactions,” he told the committee.
But Dr. Les Walls, the associate dean of the University of Oklahoma Medical School, said the expanded scope of optometry is needed to serve rural areas of West Virginia.
“This bill is not going to allow us to do anything we’re not qualified to do,” he said.
— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com
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