Senate passes bill to expand treatment for glaucoma, other eye conditions
BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) announced that the Senate recently passed legislation to expand access to eye care. The Moore-sponsored proposal advanced through the Chamber with unanimous support.
The bill would allow a licensed optometrist to diagnose and treat glaucoma and other ocular abnormalities. Massachusetts is currently the only state in the country that does not allow optometrists to perform these services. Under the bill, optometrists would still be required to refer patients to a specialist if treatment required surgery, the administration of injections or a prescription for opioids.
“It’s high time Massachusetts take action to enact this bill to reduce the cost of eye care and expand access to glaucoma treatment without compromising patient safety,” said Senator Moore. “Every other state in the country has already adopted this measure, and our Commonwealth should have confidence in optometrists to provide these critical services to patients.”
“Massachusetts is long overdue in allowing licensed optometrists the authority to treat glaucoma and other ocular abnormalities, and I am pleased that the Senate has once again taken action to remedy this problem,” said Assistant Majority Leader Senator Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett). “I have been proud to work with Senator Michael Moore and Senator Jo Comerford on this common sense piece of legislation that will help to expand eye care access an affordability to underserved communities.”
The legislation now moves forward to the House of Representatives for consideration. To continue tracking the bill, S.2296, visit the Legislature’s website by clicking below.