SC S0393

Expands the scope of practice for optometrists to include performing certain ophthalmic surgeries, prescribing and administering pharmaceutical agents (except Schedule I and II controlled substances), and providing vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation

Excludes specific procedures from optometrist practice, including retinal laser procedures, corneal transplants, LASIK, cataract surgery, vitrectomy, and intraocular injections for macular/retinal disease

Creates a restricted volunteer license allowing out-of-state optometrists with at least 5 years of clinical experience to treat uninsured patients in South Carolina without compensation, subject to 30-day case reviews by a licensed SC optometrist

Requires optometrists to maintain minimum $1 million malpractice insurance and be held to the same standard of care as physicians; optometrists licensed before January 1, 2013 must fulfill board-established credentialing requirements to perform surgical procedures

Repeals Section 40-37-300 relating to establishing pharmacies, selling pharmaceutical agents, and dispensing contact lenses, while adding liability protections for volunteer optometrists providing free healthcare services