The California State Board of Optometry to Hold Hearing Friday Feb 14th at 9:30 am

The California State Board of Optometry will hold a hearing on Friday, February 14, beginning at 9:30 am to hear public testimony about its proposed regulation to allow optometrists to use Radiofrequency technology to treat dry eye disease. Here is a link to the proposal. This technology is not allowed under current law.

The California Medical Association has written a letter in opposition to the regulation, arguing that the technology violates the statutory ban on optometrists performing "surgery."

Key Points:

-RF devices have been available over-the-counter for more than two decades. There is no good reason optometrists should be prohibited from using this technology.
-Studies show the efficacy of RF for treating dry eye, including two that were cited in the background materials for this meeting. No patient harm caused by RF was found in either study.

- RF is a safe and effective treatment for dry eye disease. 

-Doctors of optometry are trained to use this technology with their patients.

- The Legislature clearly intended for the state board to have the authority to approve noninvasive technology to treat eye conditions like RF. If the definition of surgery is interpreted so broadly as to include RF, the board effectively can't approve any new technology. 

-The way RF "alters" tissue is the same way a hot compress "alters" tissue. If this regulation fails, then will optometrists still be allowed to use a hot compress? 

--Expanding the allowable treatment options that an optometrist can use to include RF will positively benefit Californians who are suffering from dry eye disease. 

We need as many people as possible to attend the hearing and testify in support of this proposal. You can attend and provide testimony in-person or via WebEx:

Physical Location: 1625 North Market Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95834
WebEx webinar link: https://dca-meetings.webex.com/dca-meetings/j.php?MTID=mfd4f351935bfc6f99c4d220ef1d7d540 

If joining using the link above:
Webinar number: 2490 947 6465
Webinar password: CSBO214

Suggested talking points are included below. 

Please help us advocate for this expansion to the optometric scope of practice. Feel free to contact at kshultz@coavision.org or (916) 752-1671 if you have any questions.