Relating to the participation of optometrists and therapeutic optometrists in managed care plans providing vision benefits.

SB 2573 requires vision care plan issuers in Texas to provide an online application process for optometrists and therapeutic optometrists to join their networks. The bill mandates that issuers must send a participating provider contract with reimbursement details within 5 business days of receiving a complete application and add the provider to the network within 20 business days of contract acceptance. It also requires issuers to allow optometrists to participate fully in all vision plans and vision panels covered under their license, without imposing additional restrictions. This bill directly affects optometrists seeking to provide vision care through managed plans and vision plan issuers operating in Texas.