TN HB1952

Expands the scope of practice for Tennessee optometrists to include prescribing pharmaceutical agents, performing certain surgical procedures, using LASER-assisted procedures on the anterior segment of the eye, and administering emergency medications like epinephrine for anaphylaxis.

Authorizes optometrists to use local anesthesia by injection for specific procedures including draining eyelid abscesses, excising small epidermal lesions (up to 5mm), treating chalazions, repairing minor eyelid lacerations (up to 2.5cm), removing foreign bodies, and administering aesthetic injections for facial aging.

Prohibits optometrists from performing LASIK, PRK, cataract surgery, corneal transplants, retina procedures, eye removal, general anesthesia administration, and various non-laser surgeries involving the iris, vitreous, retina, extraocular muscles, or bony orbit.

Requires optometrists using local anesthetics to maintain current CPR certification and have an automated external defibrillator (AED) present in their office at all times when administering such anesthetics.

Establishes that optometrists must be held to the same standard of care as other physicians providing similar services.