Advocacy

 
Optometry is a post-graduate, doctoral degree profession. Optometrists are trained to provide full-scope medical eyecare, including minor surgical procedures such as foreign body removal and treatment for conjunctivitis and allergies. When surgical care is needed optometrists refer to a tertiary care specialist.

Texas law recognizes the scope of optometric education, training and practice.There are several provisions within the Texas law that prohibit discrimination based upon the type of provider and allow patients to choose the most accessible trained provider in their area or network.The following is a key provision of Texas law relating to Optometric scope and non-discrimination by provider:The provision of the Optometry law reads:

 

Sec. 351.407. GOVERNMENTAL DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED. (a) A program supported by the state or by a political subdivision of the state may not discriminate against a health care practitioner because the practitioner is an optometrist or therapeutic optometrist.(b) A law or policy of the state or of a political subdivision of the state that requires or encourages a person to obtain vision care or medical eye care that is within the scope of practice of an optometrist or therapeutic optometrist may not discriminate against a health care practitioner because the practitioner is an optometrist or therapeutic optometrist.