IL SB0567

Amends the Illinois Optometric Practice Act to authorize optometrists to provide services through telehealth using interactive audio and video systems for real-time communication between patients and providers.

Requires optometrists providing telehealth services to be licensed in Illinois and must have established a provider-patient relationship with an in-person consultation within 3 years, except in emergency situations.

Mandates that optometrists performing telehealth must conduct minimum eye examinations per state administrative code before prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses, and cannot rely solely on automated testing devices.

Allows "direct supervision" of remote staff assisting with telehealth procedures when the optometrist is at a distant site, without requiring physical presence at the patient's location.

Subjects unlicensed individuals practicing optometry through telehealth to the same disciplinary actions and penalties as other violations of the Act, with enforcement authority granted to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.