Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Optometry intends to consider amending 18VAC105-20, Regulations of the Virginia Board of Optometry. The proposed action is required by Chapters 16 and 17 of the 2022 Acts of Assembly. The board must amend existing regulation to provide certification for optometrists to perform laser surgery. The regulation must include provisions for (i) promotion of patient safety; (ii) identification and categorization of procedures for the purpose of issuing certificates; (iii) establishment of an application process for certification to perform such procedures; (iv) establishment of minimum education, training, and experience requirements for certification to perform such procedures; (v) development of protocols for proctoring and criteria for requiring such proctoring; and (vi) implementation of a quality assurance review process for such procedures performed by certificate holders.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-3223 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: June 21, 2023.

Agency Contact: Leslie L. Knachel, Executive Director, Board of Optometry, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233, telephone (804) 597-4130, FAX (804) 527-4471, or email leslie.knachel@dhp.virginia.gov.