Because we may play a part in these proceedings, I thought you would appreciate the following information. The motion was rescinded. However, the OEB voted instead to pursue rule changes to permit optometrists to perform this surgery. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who not only receive many more years in course training, but must complete 4-5 years of highly specialized training. This includes training in surgical procedures and risks or complications that accompany any surgical procedure.
Optometrists complete fewer years of education and training.
Most of their time is spent in the study of optics and refraction, not medicine, surgery, or risk and complications of surgery. In the interest of the public and patient safety, physicians must educate our representatives and patients that this expansion of the scope of practice for optometrists is not needed and, in fact, could be dangerous to the public. Wisconsin now has a Patient Protection Act. The last legislative session also cleared the independent external review process. The Medical Society of Milwaukee County was instrumental in the formation of these ideas and worked with the SMS in building the coalition necessary for their passage.