Minnesota passes long-awaited scope expansion bill

The Minnesota Optometric Association (MOA) achieved a highly anticipated legislative win in June when the state passed the first optometric scope expansion bill in more than two decades. The new law, which will modernize Minnesota optometry by removing outdated restrictions on medications and allowing some in-office procedures, takes effect next month.  

“It’s a big win to reduce some of the frustration points that patients have in our health care system,” says Randy Kempfer, O.D., advocacy director for the MOA. “Patients can take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of doctors of optometry.” 

Expanding medication authority and in-office procedures 

The bill makes three changes that enhance oral medication usage and one that expands access to in-office procedures, Dr. Kempfer says. “Minnesota was in the bottom 10% nationwide in scope of practice for doctors of optometry,” he says. “Patients in Minnesota were struggling to find the eye care they needed.” 

Previously, doctors of optometry in Minnesota could only prescribe oral antivirals for up to 10 days. “That was a huge barrier,” Dr. Kempfer says. The bill removes that restriction, allowing oral antiviral prescriptions with an unlimited timeframe. “Some patients need antivirals long term to save their vision,” he says. 

The bill also removes restrictions on prescribing carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for glaucoma. 

Doctors of optometry in Minnesota were previously barred from prescribing oral steroids. The new bill allows optometrists to prescribe oral steroids for up to 14 days without requiring a consultation with an M.D. “We join 44 other states in having the ability to prescribe oral steroids,” Dr. Kempfer says. 

Finally, the bill allows doctors of optometry to administer in-office injections to treat minor eyelid issues. This can include local anesthesia, removing lesions 5 mm and smaller, and injecting paralytic agents, including for cosmetic purposes. “Prior, patients would have to wait, potentially months, to see another provider,” Dr. Kempfer says. “Now we can help our patients right in the office.” 

The oral medication changes go into effect in August, Dr. Kempfer says. The injection component will go into effect later. 

Long road to legislative success 

This legislative victory came after more than seven years of dedicated advocacy by the MOA. The bill was first introduced in 2018, Dr. Kempfer says. Its first Senate hearing came in 2020—right before the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It killed our momentum that year,” he says. 

It took grassroots organization in Minnesota, along with support from other states, to win over opposition from the ophthalmology community, Dr. Kempfer says. The MOA also received key support and resources, including a legislative playbook, from the AOA’s State Government Relations Committee. “It was a grassroots struggle,” he says. “We built up a lot of strong support.” 

AOA, affiliates committed to advancing optometry    

State advocacy teams are encouraged to join either of this year’s Regional Advocacy Meetings, including:   

2025 SGRC Regional Advocacy Meeting Chicago   
Aug. 15-16 | Hotel Chicago   
Housing and registration are open and will close July 17.  

2025 SGRC Regional Advocacy Meeting Phoenix   
Oct. 24-25 | Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix   
Housing and registration are open and will close Sept. 16.  

The 2025 Regional Advocacy Meetings are supported by Johnson & Johnson, SightSciences and Lumenis.