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Extract form Alameda Sun 7/4/2008: Letters to Editor from Jennifer Ong COA Board Member
The 'eyes' have it
Editor:
I am an optometrist in Alameda. I have chosen to practice here despite the fact that California is one of the most restrictive states in the country regarding scope of practice laws, because I love my community. I have been trained to diagnose, treat and manage glaucoma and would be allowed to do so in 41 other states but California won't let me do that. Instead optometrists are required to co-manage patients' glaucoma with an ophthalmologist, which is costly, wastes time and gas. I also have patients who are not so compliant about making another trip to another office (because of work or financial restrictions) and have reservations about establishing trust in a new doctor.
There is hope. California State Senate Bill 1406 would increase access to quality health care to all Californians by allowing doctors of optometry to treat patients to the fullest extent of their education and training. This would make treatment, which we are fully taught to manage in school, finally accessible to California's underserved. This is not setting a new precedent — 41 other states allow optometrists these rights.
California is usually a leader — and it's time for California to step up regarding health care. SB 1406 is not about a power struggle between optometrists and ophthalmologists. It is about access to quality health care, which is the right of all Californians. Every legislator should vote to pass SB 1406, because to vote no is to deny their constituents access to affordable, quality health care.
— Jennifer Ong
