Landmark Win: Tennessee Modernizes Eye Care with Scope Expansion

In a major win for patients and optometrists, Tennessee this month became the latest state to authorize doctors of optometry to use ophthalmic lasers. The state’s new scope of practice law modernizes and clarifies optometric practice, giving all Tennesseans better access to eye and vision care.

The law, which comes just a month after a similar bill was passed in Kansas, focuses primarily on optometric laser authority, procedural boundaries, and clinical standards. It adds treatment of the eye, eyelids, and adnexa into the statute, newly authorizing certain laser procedures for diagnosis and treatment of anterior eye conditions.

“This landmark victory – the result of years of dedicated advocacy by Tennessee doctors of optometry – is a gamechanger for patients and for the future of eye health care in Tennessee,” says Amanda Dellinger, O.D., Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians Legislative Committee co-chair. “This law modernizes our state’s optometric scope to reflect the education and clinical training doctors of optometry receive today – positioning Tennessee as a leader in modern, patient-centered eye care and helping to ensure more patients can get the care they need, when and where they need it.”

A portion of the bill goes into effect immediately to allow the state board to promulgate rules, while remaining provisions in the bill become effective on Jan. 1, 2028. Once certified, Tennessee optometrists will be able to perform three specific laser procedures: laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI), selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), and yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) capsulotomy.

The law defines surgical boundaries for optometrists by prohibiting certain procedures, including LASIK/PRK and retina procedures, cataract surgery, corneal transplants, and most non-laser incisional surgeries.

In addition, the law expands optometrists’ use of local anesthesia, including for limited aesthetic-related treatments. It also aligns standard of care by establishing that optometrists are held to the same standard of care as physicians performing similar services.

“Tennessee’s success reflects what’s possible when doctors of optometry come together with a clear, patient-centered vision and a sustained commitment to advocacy,” says Jacquie M. Bowen, O.D., AOA president. “This is about more than one state—it’s part of a growing, nationwide movement to ensure patients have access to the full scope of care doctors of optometry are trained to provide. The AOA is proud to stand alongside our affiliates as we continue advancing this progress across the country.” 

Adds Teri K. Geist, O.D., AOA president-elect: “Tennessee optometry’s win is a victory for all doctors of optometry and our patients as it further accelerates our profession’s march toward a significantly expanded role in health care. Once again, affiliate and AOA advocacy have delivered new recognition in law for the education, skills and continuous training of doctors of optometry, as well as for promising new pathways for practice growth and success.” 

Scope wins sweep the country

Just last month, a new Kansas law gave credentialed optometrists in the state the authority to use injectable medications (excluding intraocular injections), remove eyelid lesions, and perform additional ophthalmic procedures, such as laser capsulotomy and laser trabeculoplasty.

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

• West Virginia optometrists can now perform laser procedures, including YAG lasers, SLT, and 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’. Its 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.