Relating generally to practice of optometry

Bill title changed from committee amendment to formal bill amendment with expanded scope covering multiple new sections and articles related to optometry practice.

New sections added to establish minimum training requirements, laser certification standards, and comprehensive practice guidelines for optometrists.

Original specific certification requirements for posterior capsulotomy, peripheral iridotomy, and selective laser trabeculoplasty procedures were removed from the main text.

New provisions added to define terms and update rulemaking authority for the optometry board.

New provisions added to establish treatment guidelines and prohibit certain practices, including pediatric patient restrictions.

Added new certification requirements requiring optometrists to complete supervised training for specific laser procedures including posterior capsulotomy, peripheral iridotomy, and selective laser trabeculoplasty.

Added prohibition on optometrists performing procedures on pediatric patients, requiring referral to an ophthalmologist instead.

Added requirement for certificate holders to report adverse outcomes related to surgical procedures to the Board within ten business days.

Modified the bill structure by adding new article sections (§30-8B-4) for certification requirements and modifying existing sections to include pediatric patient restrictions.

Removed all official legislative text including definitions, rulemaking authority, scope of practice, and laser procedure regulations.

Added website navigation elements such as Senate/House links, bill tracking information, and contact forms.

Changed document structure from a formal legislative bill format to a webpage layout with headers, footers, and interactive elements.

New Article 8B establishes a certification program requiring optometrists to complete supervised training and demonstrate clinical proficiency before performing ophthalmic laser procedures.

Optometrists licensed after May 1, 2025, must meet new ophthalmic laser utilization certification requirements to practice in West Virginia.

Added new rulemaking requirements for inactive or revoked licenses and expanded the board's rulemaking authority.

Updated scope of practice section to explicitly include laser procedures and clarify that optometrists cannot perform surgery or treat pediatric patients with lasers.

Added new definitions for laser certificate holders, ophthalmic lasers, and specific procedures like posterior capsulotomy and peripheral iridotomy.

Requires certificate holders to report adverse outcomes from laser procedures to the board within 10 business days.

Added new Article 8B establishing requirements for optometrists to obtain certification before performing ophthalmic laser procedures, including specific training and supervised practice requirements.

Expanded optometrists' ability to prescribe medications to include oral antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, plus contact lenses containing pharmaceutical agents.

Added new definitions for laser procedures including posterior capsulotomy, peripheral iridotomy, and selective laser trabeculoplasty to clarify what treatments are permitted.

Updated the definition of 'Practice of optometry' to explicitly include procedures taught at accredited optometry schools.

Modified licensing requirements to include ophthalmic laser utilization certification for applicants seeking licensure after May 1, 2025.

Added new Article 8A establishing consumer protection standards for contact lens prescriptions, including detailed requirements for valid prescriptions and documentation.

Added provisions exempting laser procedure additions from standard rulemaking review requirements to streamline the approval process for new treatments.