On January 1st, 2012, optometrists in Texas and Rhode Island will be relieved of restrictions prohibiting them to participate in medical plans thanks to new legislation. Optometrists in Texas no longer need to accept the terms and conditions of specific vision plans in order to join or remain on that company’s medical plans. In addition the legislation gives optometrists more freedom to decide what vision and medical plans to join.
In Rhode Island, optometrists will be able to treat medical conditions without being enrolled in a discount vision care plan.
As optometrists and future optometrists, it is these legislative battles that must be continuously fought and won to push this profession forward to greater heights.
By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013
