Arkansas ophthalmologists look to ballot to undo new eye surgery law

A new law could allow Optometrists to perform operations using lasers but a coalition of Arkansas Doctors (Ophthalmologists) are trying to change that to create the safest possible outcomes for patients. Read below to find out more information:

Article originally from KATV

LITTLE ROCK (Talk Business & Politics) — A coalition of Arkansas doctors are looking to deploy a rarely used ballot referendum to knock a new law off the books that would allow optometrists to perform eye surgeries and other procedures once limited to medically trained ophthalmologists.

That group, Safe Surgery Arkansas (SSA), on Tuesday (June 11) filed papers at the State Capitol to form a ballot question committee to coordinate a statewide referendum challenging Act 579 of 2019. That new law opens the door for licensed optometrists, who were previously prohibited from using lasers, scalpels and injections in their local practice, to now perform those surgical procedures in Arkansas.

Supporters of the ballot referendum said in a news release that the eye health of Arkansans is at stake if Act 579 goes into effect. The group said a survey commissioned by the Arkansas Medical Society earlier this year found that 65% of Arkansans opposed allowing optometrists to perform surgeries with lasers and scalpels.

“Every day the people of Arkansas rely on medical doctors who have the experience and training to perform medical procedures to ensure that they are getting world-class healthcare in Arkansas,” R. Scott Lowery, president of the Arkansas Ophthalmological Society, said in a statement. “We are confident that when the people are heard on this issue, they will not allow individuals without medical degrees and without surgical residencies to jeopardize the precious eyesight of Arkansans.”