American Osteopathic Association Opposes Current Efforts to Expand Optometrists' Scope of Practice.

CHICAGO -- The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) opposes the expansion of optometrists' practice rights as defined in the rules proposed by the Oklahoma Board of Examiners in Optometry for HB 2321.

"The optometrists seek to increase their scope of practice even though they lack the education, training, examination and licensure to provide comprehensive medical care," said George Thomas, D.O., AOA President.

The AOA recognizes the unique and valid role optometrists and other non-physician clinicians have in providing health care. The AOA believes that new roles reflecting minor changes in scope of practice, which do not include surgery, may be granted for non-physician clinicians after the appropriate processes and programs have been established for education, training, examination and licensure.

AOA President-Elect Philip L. Shettle, D.O., a board certified ophthalmologist, stated, "Optometrists do not receive adequate training to perform surgery on conditions of the eye. This issue of optometric surgery poses a grave risk to the safety of patients."

The AOA represents the nation's more than 54,000 D.O.s, promotes public health, encourages scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s, and is the accrediting body for all osteopathic medical schools and health care facilities.