S 1592 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to updating the licensure of optometrists

S 1592 updates Massachusetts optometry licensure rules to modernize practice standards. It requires optometrists licensed before specific dates (1984, 1994, or 2021) to retake and pass exams by 2022 or 2025 to legally use certain eye medications (like glaucoma treatments and oral medications). The bill also clarifies that "practice of optometry" includes diagnosing related systemic conditions and adds requirements for annual continuing education and participation in state medical assistance programs. These changes directly affect older-licensed optometrists seeking to expand their scope of practice.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Nov 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Nov 17, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
3
Committee
3
Nov 17, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Oct 14, 2025
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Public Health
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors