Advocacy & Practice Updates — Advocacy & Practice
ASRS Warns VA Against Potentially Expanding Optometric Scope
This week, ASRS sent a letter to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA), expressing concern that yet-to-be published proposed standards of practice would dangerously expand optometrists’ scope of practice in VA facilities. While no proposal is currently publicly available, the VA previously relaxed its existing policy to allow optometrists to perform certain procedures if the facility was located in a state that permitted it. A nationwide standard of practice for optometrists would supersede any state restrictions, regardless of whether the state allowed the procedure. ASRS will continue to follow this issue and will alert members if and when draft standards are released.
(Published 4.19.23)