WV SB565

Expands the scope of practice for licensed optometrists in West Virginia to include performing specific ophthalmic laser procedures: posterior capsulotomy, peripheral iridotomy, and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)

Establishes certification requirements for optometrists to perform laser procedures, including completion of supervised training with minimum procedure counts (5 posterior capsulotomies, 4 peripheral iridotomies, and 5 SLT procedures) proctored by a certified optometrist or ophthalmologist

Applicants graduating from accredited optometry schools in 2025 or later who pass the Laser and Surgical Procedures Examination are automatically deemed to meet laser certification requirements

Prohibits certified optometrists from performing laser procedures on pediatric patients, requiring referral to an ophthalmologist for such cases

Takes effect July 9, 2025, and exempts the expanded laser procedures from the state's standard scope of practice review requirements under §30-1A-1