Measure on the ballot in the 2020 Arkansas General Election in Arkansas.
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Get Started***This measure will appear on the ballot, but results will not be counted or certified.*** An Act to Amend the Definition of "Practice of Optometry" such that optometrists can no longer use ophthalmic lasers, perform cataract surgery, perform radial keratology surgery, or sell prescription drugs.
***This measure will appear on the ballot, but results will not be counted or certified.*** A “YES” vote on Issue No. 6 is a vote to uphold Act 579, which amended the definition of the “practice of optometry” to include certain surgical procedures.
***This measure will appear on the ballot, but results will not be counted or certified.*** A “NO” vote on Issue No. 6 is a vote to repeal Act 579, thereby overturning the amended definition of the “practice of optometry” and restricting which surgical procedures optometrists can perform.
"Optometrists in other states, like Oklahoma, have been safely performing these procedures for more than 20 years. Lawmakers also heard from constituents who have had to endure added costs and lengthy waits when required to see a specialist for care their optometrist is educated to safely provide.", in support of Issue No. 6 (Learn more)
"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. 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.", in opposition to Issue No. 6 (Learn more)
"Issue 6 allows doctors of optometry to safely perform additional in-office procedures they are educated and tested on, while requiring strict oversight and accountability. This means more patients in every part of the state will have better access to the eye care they need, and they can receive it from the doctor of optometry they know and trust.", in support of Issue No. 6 (Learn more)
An act to amend the Arkansas Code regarding the definition of "practice of optometry"; providing that the definition of "practice of optometry" is amended to permit licensed optometrists to use ophthalmic lasers for the following surgical procedures: perform injections (excluding intravenous or intraocular injections), incision and curettage of a chalazion, removal and biopsy of skin lesions with low risk of malignancy (excluding lesions involving the lid margin or nasal to the puncta), laser capsulotomy, and laser trabeculoplasty; providing that licensed optometrists continue to be prohibited from using ophthalmic lasers for surgical procedures other than those previously identified, performing cataract surgery, performing radial keratotomy surgery, and selling prescription drugs; providing that the State Board of Optometry has the power and duty to establish credentialing requirements for a licensee to administer or perform the following procedures: injections (excluding intravenous or intraocular injections), incision and curettage of a chalazion, removal and biopsy of skin lesions with low risk of malignancy (excluding lesions involving the lid margin or nasal to the puncta), laser capsulotomy, and laser trabeculoplasty; providing that the State Board of Optometry shall require every optometrist who meets the requirements for certification to perform authorized laser procedures to report to the board regarding the outcome of the procedures performed in a format as required or directed by the board, and these reports shall also be sent to the Department of Health; this act being Act No. 579 of the Regular Session of 2019.
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