Historic win for Kansas patients and optometrists

Kansas has become the fifteenth state in the nation to authorize doctors of optometry to use ophthalmic lasers following the signing of a major scope of practice bill into law this month. House Bill 2223 modernizes Kansas law to allow optometrists to perform procedures they are educated and trained to do, including certain in-office laser procedures. 

The new law is a victory for patients, who gain better access to eye and vision care as their doctors of optometry in Kansas are able to practice to their full level of their education, training and licensure. Credentialed Kansas optometrists will be able to use injectable medications (excluding intraocular injections), remove eyelid lesions, and perform additional ophthalmic procedures, such as laser capsulotomy and laser trabeculoplasty. 

“We are thrilled with the passage of H.B. 2223, which modernizes scope of practice in Kansas to reflect contemporary optometric education and training,” says Jonathan Reddell, O.D., president of the Kansas Optometric Association (KOA). “This bill will improve access to care for Kansans and encourage optometric students to return to the state to practice.” 

Before the new law takes effect, the KOA will continue to communicate information to its members including the aspects of the bill, such as procedures allowed, credentialing requirements and other specific information regarding implementation of the law. 

“The bill’s passage is a testament to the leadership and dedication shown by Kansas doctors and the Kansas Optometric Association in advancing patient eye health and vision care,” says AOA President Jacquie M. Bowen, O.D. “The future of optometry and expanded patient access to essential eye health and vision care depends on modernizing laws to ensure doctors of optometry practice to the full extent of their education and clinical training, a long-time key priority for the AOA and affiliates. We are committed to continuing to fight for this important progress nationwide.” 

Scope victory, and other state wins, are grassroots efforts 

The bill was the culmination of countless hours of advocacy by doctors of optometry in Kansas, Dr. Reddell says. “The legislation was made possible through the grassroots efforts of optometrists across the state,” he says, “working over many years to educate policymakers about optometric education and the needs of patients in Kansas.” 

The Kansas victory comes after three other states celebrated scope expansion wins in 2025. 

• West Virginia optometrists can now perform laser procedures, including yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) lasers, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), and laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI), as well as minor eyelid procedures. The law also establishes board certification requirements.
• Montana also gained approval for laser and surgical procedures, limited to the anterior segment of the eye. Approved procedures include injections, YAG, SLT, and LPI, as well as treatment of ‘lumps and bumps’. The law also gives the Montana Board of Optometry the right to establish training and certification standards for licensure as optometrists.
• Minnesota’s HF 2 removed restrictions on 7-day oral antiviral medications and 10-day oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor restrictions. Optometrists now have the authority to administer local anesthesia and paralytic agents, and to remove lesions measuring 5 mm or smaller. They can now also prescribe oral steroids for up to 14 days. 

Join your state optometric association or the AOA State Government Relations Committee (SGRC) to be part of optometry’s next big win.