SB66 Summary

• Expands the scope of optometry practice to include prescribing and administering narcotic analgesics (Schedule III-V only, excluding Schedule I-II narcotics) and steroids for eye-related conditions.

• Authorizes optometrists to perform specific procedures including injections (excluding posterior eye chamber), chalazion removal, skin lesion biopsy of eyelids, laser capsulotomy, laser trabeculoplasty, laser iridotomy, and corneal crosslinking.

• Prohibits optometrists from performing eyeball injections, cataract surgery, muscle surgery, retinal surgery, radial keratotomy, refractive laser surgery, cryosurgery, or any invasive ophthalmic surgery requiring general anesthesia.

• Establishes the Alabama Board of Optometry as the sole authority to determine what constitutes the practice of optometry and grants it exclusive jurisdiction over optometry regulation.

• Clarifies the Board of Optometry's status as a certifying board under the Alabama Uniform Controlled Substances Act with limitations specified in optometry law; becomes effective three months after passage.