Scope Expansion Supporting Documentation
Below is a comprehensive listing of documents AOA-SGRC has available for your use, as you look to prepare for an upcoming legislative scope effort.
AOA’s model optometric practice act.
- Should be adapted by a legislative council to conform the proposal with your state law before being introduced to ensure it will be effective in your state.
- Updated 50 state overview chart showing scope on a state-by-state basis and maps showing scope as it stands across the country by varying category. The chart can be regionalized if helpful.
- Comprehensive study and report outlining the need of expanded optometric scope for greater access to quality care and cost savings associated with this.
- Response to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation report as it relates to expanding optometric scope.
AOA Expanding Scope Fact Sheet
- An overview fact sheet, highlighting the benefits for comprehensive scope expansion.
Oklahoma Trabeculoplasty Rebuttal
- AOA rebuttal document to the JAMA study by Joshua D. Stein, MD titled "Comparison of Outcomes of Laser Trabeculoplasty Performed by Optometrists vs. Ophthalmologist in Oklahoma”.
- Letter from malpractice insurance carrier, underscoring that scope advancement would not increase rates.
State by State Malpractice Rates
- Historical malpractice rates to show that rates have not increased because of scope advances (2011 to 2024 Rate History).
- Maps comparing access to OD vs. OMD practice locations per state.
- A side-by-side comparison of OD vs. OMD education in infographic format.
What is an Optometrist Handout
- Overview document highlighting the range of comprehensive care provided and the benefits of this.
- An overview infographic handout that highlights the benefits of optometric scope expansion.
Letters from Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Kentucky
- Letters from the respective state boards reporting no complaints to the boards since expanding optometric scope. ( These letters typically take up to 3 weeks to acquire from the state boards.)
- A letter in support of advanced scope from Americans for Prosperity, the Goldwater Institute and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
- Chronology of scope enactments and advancements since 1971.
Additional Resources