West Virginia Becomes 14th Laser State

Starting on July 9, qualified optometrists in West Virginia will be permitted to perform three laser treatments—capsulotomy (shown here), SLT and LPI—and minor surgical procedures. Photo: Alia Cappellani, OD. Click image to enlarge. Optometry secured its first scope expansion win of 2025 earlier this month when Montana passed a law that made it the 13th state to allow its ODs to perform laser and surgical procedures. Today, a mere two weeks later, another victory was announced across the map in West Virginia, where Governor Patrick Morrisey just signed that state’s laser bill, SB 565, into law. Once in effect on July 9, ODs in West Virginia will be permitted to use lasers for posterior capsulotomy, SLT and LPI, as well as perform various minor surgical procedures such as lesion and foreign body removal. “This is a monumental step forward for health care in West Virginia,” remarked Chad Robinson, executive director of West Virginia Association of Optometric Physicians (WVAOP), in a press release from the association. “SB 565 ensures that our highly trained optometrists can practice to the full extent of their education, training, and licensure—bringing more timely, accessible care to West Virginians where they are,” he wrote. “We’re grateful to our representatives for recognizing the importance of this legislation.”Laura Suppa, OD, who serves as president of the WVAOP Board of Directors, added in the press release, “This legislation will allow optometrists to deliver essential care, like managing certain eye conditions and performing minor procedures, without patients having to travel long distances or wait weeks for an appointment.” She exclaimed, “It’s a win for public health and for West Virginia families.”To become certified to perform the added procedures, the enacted legislation specifies that optometrists who graduated in 2025 or after must pass the Laser and Surgical Procedures Examination, while those who graduated before this year are required to complete a postgraduate course or training program approved by the West Virginia Board of Optometry. Also under the new law, the Board will have the authority to update treatment indications for ophthalmic lasers—beyond YAG capsulotomy, SLT and LPI—“as new treatments, technologies and training become available.”“This moment belongs to every WVAOP member who showed up, told their story and stood firm in our shared commitment to patient-centered care,” Robinson concluded in the release. “Together, we made history—and most importantly, we made a difference.”At least 11 other bills remain active in various states, nearly all of which advocate for the inclusion of ophthalmic lasers and surgical procedures in optometry’s practice scope. Keep an eye on our online news feed for updates.