Tennessee Enacts Optometric Laser Law

The recent scope win in Tennessee brings the total number of laser states to 16—double what it was just five years ago. Click image to enlarge. At the start of the year, 14 states had optometric scope laws permitting ODs to perform laser procedures, while at least nine more were actively fighting—or gearing up for—legal battles in hopes of soon joining this list. Kansas was the first to secure a victory when Governor Laura Kelly signed that state’s laser bill back in March. However, that early momentum faltered just weeks later when Governor Kelly Ayotte vetoed similar legislation in New Hampshire, voicing her doubts on the adequacy of surgical education in optometry. Still, the setback proved short-lived—Tennessee delivered a win on Tuesday, with its own laser bill signed into law, reflecting lawmakers’ recognition of both patient safety and the profession’s evolving scope.Once in effect, Senate Bill 2076 will authorize qualified optometrists in Tennessee to perform three in-office laser procedures: YAG capsulotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty and peripheral iridotomy. The document also grants the state’s Board of Optometry the authority to determine the specific training and education required for Tennessee optometrists to take advantage of these added privileges. Once those rules are adopted, the law will go into effect in July 2028. “This legislative victory reflects the strength of our profession when we come together with a unified voice,” says Wayne Connell, OD, president of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians (TAOP). “I want to thank optometrists and students across Tennessee who took time away from their practices and families to ensure legislators heard directly from those providing care in their communities.” He adds, “We are deeply grateful to Southern College of Optometry, the American Optometric Association and our affiliate states for their guidance, responsiveness and willingness to answer our calls and share their expertise throughout this process.” Dr. Connell goes on to recognize “the office staff and patients who showed flexibility as schedules were adjusted to allow doctors to be present at the Capitol” and commends the TAOP Board of Trustees and Legislative Committee “for their diligent and tireless work in advancing this effort. This achievement belongs to all of them and marks an important step forward for optometry in Tennessee.”With multiple scope bills still in play across the US—including in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Vermont—there’s growing optimism that the remainder of 2026 will bring even more wins for the profession.