CO HB1233

Extends the repeal date of the State Board of Optometry from September 1, 2022 to September 1, 2033, continuing regulation of optometry in Colorado for 11 additional years.

Expands the scope of optometry practice to include injections (excluding intraocular), local anesthetics for eyelid lesions, removal and biopsy of eyelid lesions under 5 millimeters, chalazion surgery, eyelid laceration repair up to 2.5 centimeters, corneal cross-linking, and laser procedures including capsulotomy, peripheral iridotomy, and trabeculoplasty.

Requires optometrists performing laser procedures or treating ocular adnexa to demonstrate competency through graduation from an accredited optometry college after 2019 or completion of a board-approved training course with proctored clinical sessions.

Mandates optometrists to report any adverse outcomes to the board within 10 days and maintain documentation of competency requirements, with violations subject to board discipline.

Removes the optometry exemption from confidential practice limitation agreements and allows the board to approve standardized national examinations other than the National Board of Examiners in Optometry.