MT HB218

Authorizes optometrists to perform in-office surgical procedures and laser surgical procedures limited to the anterior segment of the eye and adnexa (surrounding tissues)

Excludes penetrating intraocular surgery, intravitreal injections, and refractive surgery from the expanded scope of practice

Requires optometrists to obtain board certification before performing laser surgical procedures, contingent on completing required didactic and clinical training from an accredited optometry school

Removes previous restrictions that limited topical drugs for examination purposes to specific categories (cycloplegics, mydriatics, topical anesthetics, dyes, and miotics)

Effective July 1, 2025