S.B. 129 - Optometry Practice Revisions

• Enacts new section 4725.012 authorizing licensed optometrists to perform specified invasive procedures including injections, chalazion incision/curettage, skin lesion removal, laser surgery (capsulotomy, trabeculoplasty, peripheral iridotomy), suturing, and cyst excision/drainage, with training and infection control requirements established by the State Vision Professionals Board.

• Expands the definition of "therapeutic pharmaceutical agent" to include certain oral analgesic controlled substances authorized by the board, and allows optometrists to provide drug-delivering vision correction devices under section 4725.011.

• Changes licensing terminology throughout optometry statutes from "license" to "certificate of licensure" and updates references from sections 4725.01-4725.34 to 4725.01-4725.35.

• Requires optometrists seeking renewal who prescribe opioid analgesics to certify access to the state board of pharmacy's drug database and establishes continuing education requirements including 20 hours of pharmacology instruction per biennial period.

• Adds provisions allowing out-of-state optometrists to practice as volunteers without remuneration at charitable events lasting up to seven days, with seven days' advance notice to the board.