Optometrists and ophthalmologists battle over eye care in West Virginia

February 11, 2010

The Senate in West Virginia is overseeing a conflict on eye care between ophthalmologists and optometrists. There is a motion that will allow for optometrists to perform certain medical procedures such as giving injections and performing eye surgeries with scalpels and lasers. Currently, only ophthalmologists can perform these tasks.

As of now, these procedures are now restricted to ophthalmologists medical doctors who provides diagnoses and treatment for eye health.

The new measure will allow for optometrists to perform more procedures, though they will be required to be under the supervision of an ophthalmologist.

Some individuals believe that this ruling could put the eye health of patients in jeopardy, as optometrists might not be qualified to perform all of the actions.

Greg Moore, the president of the state Board of Optometry, told the news provider that these concerns are not valid.

"There's a lot of misinformation that's being thrown out there," he told the news provider."We will not let optometrists perform procedures they are not qualified to do."

Typically, optometrists are medical professionals that ophthalmologists send patients to in order to be fitted for prescription glasses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an optometrist must receive a certificate from a four-year program before they can begin practicing.