\n<\/p>\n
April 17, 2026<\/p>\n
1 min read<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n \n \n Add topic to email alerts \n <\/span> \n <\/p>\n\n\n \n Receive an email when new articles are posted on \n <\/p>\n\n Please provide your email address to receive an email when new articles are posted on .<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n “ \n data-action=”subscribe”> \n Subscribe \n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n We were unable to process your request. Please try again later. If you continue to have this issue please contact customerservice@slackinc.com.<\/strong> <\/p>\nBack to Healio<\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\nKey takeaways:<\/h2>\n\nAfter certification, optometrists in Tennessee can now perform peripheral iridotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty and YAG capsulotomy.<\/li>\nSixteen states now allow optometric laser surgery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nA law authorizing optometrists to perform certain laser surgeries for glaucoma and after cataract surgery was signed into law in Tennessee on April 14, according to a statement from the American Optometric Association.<\/p>\nThe law allows optometrists to perform peripheral iridotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty and YAG capsulotomy. Before doing so, they must complete relevant training from an accredited optometry school or college and be certified by the state board of optometry.<\/p>\n \n \n \n \n <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture> \n \n <\/figcaption> \n <\/figure>\n\u201cThis law modernizes our state\u2019s optometric scope to reflect the education and clinical training doctors of optometry receive today, … helping to ensure more patients can get the care they need, when and where they need it,\u201d according to Amanda Dellinger, OD,<\/b> legislative committee co-chair of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, in the AOA\u2019s statement.<\/p>\nDellinger told Healio: \u201cThe three approved procedures are already being taught in schools of optometry across the country, including Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.\u201d<\/p>\nThe law also expands the use of local anesthesia for certain treatments and \u201cupdates the defined statute to include treatment of the eye, eyelids and adnexa, as well as optometry\u2019s ability to perform aesthetic injections, such as botulinum toxin for cosmetic and therapeutic use,\u201d according to the AOA.<\/p>\nTennessee is now the 16th state to allow optometric laser surgery, coming soon after the signing of a similar law in Kansas on March 13.<\/p>\nTennessee Rep. Ryan Williams<\/b>,<\/b> the bill\u2019s sponsor in the state House of Representatives, said it would help incentivize optometrists to practice in Tennessee.<\/p>\n\u201cThis would allow Tennessee students who go to Tennessee schools to stay here in Tennessee to practice in rural areas across the state,\u201d Williams said during a House session, adding it would also improve access to care.<\/p>\n\u201cCurrently, 57 Tennessee counties have no ophthalmologists, and of those, only 41 counties have optometrists,\u201d he said.<\/p>\nPart of the law went into effect immediately, \u201cto allow the state’s board of optometry to promulgate rules around the certification process and performance of the new procedures,\u201d Dellinger told Healio. \u201cThe remaining provisions of the bill become effective on Jan. 1, 2028.\u201d<\/p>\nFor more information:<\/h2>\nThe Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians can be reached at admin@taoponline.org.<\/p>\n
\n Receive an email when new articles are posted on \n <\/p>\n\n Please provide your email address to receive an email when new articles are posted on .<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n “ \n data-action=”subscribe”> \n Subscribe \n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n We were unable to process your request. Please try again later. If you continue to have this issue please contact customerservice@slackinc.com.<\/strong> <\/p>\nBack to Healio<\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\nKey takeaways:<\/h2>\n\nAfter certification, optometrists in Tennessee can now perform peripheral iridotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty and YAG capsulotomy.<\/li>\nSixteen states now allow optometric laser surgery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nA law authorizing optometrists to perform certain laser surgeries for glaucoma and after cataract surgery was signed into law in Tennessee on April 14, according to a statement from the American Optometric Association.<\/p>\nThe law allows optometrists to perform peripheral iridotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty and YAG capsulotomy. Before doing so, they must complete relevant training from an accredited optometry school or college and be certified by the state board of optometry.<\/p>\n \n \n \n \n <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture> \n \n <\/figcaption> \n <\/figure>\n\u201cThis law modernizes our state\u2019s optometric scope to reflect the education and clinical training doctors of optometry receive today, … helping to ensure more patients can get the care they need, when and where they need it,\u201d according to Amanda Dellinger, OD,<\/b> legislative committee co-chair of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, in the AOA\u2019s statement.<\/p>\nDellinger told Healio: \u201cThe three approved procedures are already being taught in schools of optometry across the country, including Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.\u201d<\/p>\nThe law also expands the use of local anesthesia for certain treatments and \u201cupdates the defined statute to include treatment of the eye, eyelids and adnexa, as well as optometry\u2019s ability to perform aesthetic injections, such as botulinum toxin for cosmetic and therapeutic use,\u201d according to the AOA.<\/p>\nTennessee is now the 16th state to allow optometric laser surgery, coming soon after the signing of a similar law in Kansas on March 13.<\/p>\nTennessee Rep. Ryan Williams<\/b>,<\/b> the bill\u2019s sponsor in the state House of Representatives, said it would help incentivize optometrists to practice in Tennessee.<\/p>\n\u201cThis would allow Tennessee students who go to Tennessee schools to stay here in Tennessee to practice in rural areas across the state,\u201d Williams said during a House session, adding it would also improve access to care.<\/p>\n\u201cCurrently, 57 Tennessee counties have no ophthalmologists, and of those, only 41 counties have optometrists,\u201d he said.<\/p>\nPart of the law went into effect immediately, \u201cto allow the state’s board of optometry to promulgate rules around the certification process and performance of the new procedures,\u201d Dellinger told Healio. \u201cThe remaining provisions of the bill become effective on Jan. 1, 2028.\u201d<\/p>\nFor more information:<\/h2>\nThe Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians can be reached at admin@taoponline.org.<\/p>\n
“ \n data-action=”subscribe”> \n Subscribe \n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n We were unable to process your request. Please try again later. If you continue to have this issue please contact customerservice@slackinc.com.<\/strong> <\/p>\nBack to Healio<\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\nKey takeaways:<\/h2>\n\nAfter certification, optometrists in Tennessee can now perform peripheral iridotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty and YAG capsulotomy.<\/li>\nSixteen states now allow optometric laser surgery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nA law authorizing optometrists to perform certain laser surgeries for glaucoma and after cataract surgery was signed into law in Tennessee on April 14, according to a statement from the American Optometric Association.<\/p>\nThe law allows optometrists to perform peripheral iridotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty and YAG capsulotomy. Before doing so, they must complete relevant training from an accredited optometry school or college and be certified by the state board of optometry.<\/p>\n \n \n \n \n <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture> \n \n <\/figcaption> \n <\/figure>\n\u201cThis law modernizes our state\u2019s optometric scope to reflect the education and clinical training doctors of optometry receive today, … helping to ensure more patients can get the care they need, when and where they need it,\u201d according to Amanda Dellinger, OD,<\/b> legislative committee co-chair of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, in the AOA\u2019s statement.<\/p>\nDellinger told Healio: \u201cThe three approved procedures are already being taught in schools of optometry across the country, including Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.\u201d<\/p>\nThe law also expands the use of local anesthesia for certain treatments and \u201cupdates the defined statute to include treatment of the eye, eyelids and adnexa, as well as optometry\u2019s ability to perform aesthetic injections, such as botulinum toxin for cosmetic and therapeutic use,\u201d according to the AOA.<\/p>\nTennessee is now the 16th state to allow optometric laser surgery, coming soon after the signing of a similar law in Kansas on March 13.<\/p>\nTennessee Rep. Ryan Williams<\/b>,<\/b> the bill\u2019s sponsor in the state House of Representatives, said it would help incentivize optometrists to practice in Tennessee.<\/p>\n\u201cThis would allow Tennessee students who go to Tennessee schools to stay here in Tennessee to practice in rural areas across the state,\u201d Williams said during a House session, adding it would also improve access to care.<\/p>\n\u201cCurrently, 57 Tennessee counties have no ophthalmologists, and of those, only 41 counties have optometrists,\u201d he said.<\/p>\nPart of the law went into effect immediately, \u201cto allow the state’s board of optometry to promulgate rules around the certification process and performance of the new procedures,\u201d Dellinger told Healio. \u201cThe remaining provisions of the bill become effective on Jan. 1, 2028.\u201d<\/p>\nFor more information:<\/h2>\nThe Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians can be reached at admin@taoponline.org.<\/p>\n
Back to Healio<\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\nKey takeaways:<\/h2>\n\nAfter certification, optometrists in Tennessee can now perform peripheral iridotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty and YAG capsulotomy.<\/li>\nSixteen states now allow optometric laser surgery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nA law authorizing optometrists to perform certain laser surgeries for glaucoma and after cataract surgery was signed into law in Tennessee on April 14, according to a statement from the American Optometric Association.<\/p>\nThe law allows optometrists to perform peripheral iridotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty and YAG capsulotomy. Before doing so, they must complete relevant training from an accredited optometry school or college and be certified by the state board of optometry.<\/p>\n \n \n \n \n <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture> \n \n <\/figcaption> \n <\/figure>\n\u201cThis law modernizes our state\u2019s optometric scope to reflect the education and clinical training doctors of optometry receive today, … helping to ensure more patients can get the care they need, when and where they need it,\u201d according to Amanda Dellinger, OD,<\/b> legislative committee co-chair of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, in the AOA\u2019s statement.<\/p>\nDellinger told Healio: \u201cThe three approved procedures are already being taught in schools of optometry across the country, including Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.\u201d<\/p>\nThe law also expands the use of local anesthesia for certain treatments and \u201cupdates the defined statute to include treatment of the eye, eyelids and adnexa, as well as optometry\u2019s ability to perform aesthetic injections, such as botulinum toxin for cosmetic and therapeutic use,\u201d according to the AOA.<\/p>\nTennessee is now the 16th state to allow optometric laser surgery, coming soon after the signing of a similar law in Kansas on March 13.<\/p>\nTennessee Rep. Ryan Williams<\/b>,<\/b> the bill\u2019s sponsor in the state House of Representatives, said it would help incentivize optometrists to practice in Tennessee.<\/p>\n\u201cThis would allow Tennessee students who go to Tennessee schools to stay here in Tennessee to practice in rural areas across the state,\u201d Williams said during a House session, adding it would also improve access to care.<\/p>\n\u201cCurrently, 57 Tennessee counties have no ophthalmologists, and of those, only 41 counties have optometrists,\u201d he said.<\/p>\nPart of the law went into effect immediately, \u201cto allow the state’s board of optometry to promulgate rules around the certification process and performance of the new procedures,\u201d Dellinger told Healio. \u201cThe remaining provisions of the bill become effective on Jan. 1, 2028.\u201d<\/p>\nFor more information:<\/h2>\nThe Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians can be reached at admin@taoponline.org.<\/p>\n
A law authorizing optometrists to perform certain laser surgeries for glaucoma and after cataract surgery was signed into law in Tennessee on April 14, according to a statement from the American Optometric Association.<\/p>\n
The law allows optometrists to perform peripheral iridotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty and YAG capsulotomy. Before doing so, they must complete relevant training from an accredited optometry school or college and be certified by the state board of optometry.<\/p>\n \n \n \n \n <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture> \n \n <\/figcaption> \n <\/figure>\n\u201cThis law modernizes our state\u2019s optometric scope to reflect the education and clinical training doctors of optometry receive today, … helping to ensure more patients can get the care they need, when and where they need it,\u201d according to Amanda Dellinger, OD,<\/b> legislative committee co-chair of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, in the AOA\u2019s statement.<\/p>\nDellinger told Healio: \u201cThe three approved procedures are already being taught in schools of optometry across the country, including Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.\u201d<\/p>\nThe law also expands the use of local anesthesia for certain treatments and \u201cupdates the defined statute to include treatment of the eye, eyelids and adnexa, as well as optometry\u2019s ability to perform aesthetic injections, such as botulinum toxin for cosmetic and therapeutic use,\u201d according to the AOA.<\/p>\nTennessee is now the 16th state to allow optometric laser surgery, coming soon after the signing of a similar law in Kansas on March 13.<\/p>\nTennessee Rep. Ryan Williams<\/b>,<\/b> the bill\u2019s sponsor in the state House of Representatives, said it would help incentivize optometrists to practice in Tennessee.<\/p>\n\u201cThis would allow Tennessee students who go to Tennessee schools to stay here in Tennessee to practice in rural areas across the state,\u201d Williams said during a House session, adding it would also improve access to care.<\/p>\n\u201cCurrently, 57 Tennessee counties have no ophthalmologists, and of those, only 41 counties have optometrists,\u201d he said.<\/p>\nPart of the law went into effect immediately, \u201cto allow the state’s board of optometry to promulgate rules around the certification process and performance of the new procedures,\u201d Dellinger told Healio. \u201cThe remaining provisions of the bill become effective on Jan. 1, 2028.\u201d<\/p>\nFor more information:<\/h2>\nThe Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians can be reached at admin@taoponline.org.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis law modernizes our state\u2019s optometric scope to reflect the education and clinical training doctors of optometry receive today, … helping to ensure more patients can get the care they need, when and where they need it,\u201d according to Amanda Dellinger, OD,<\/b> legislative committee co-chair of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, in the AOA\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n
Dellinger told Healio: \u201cThe three approved procedures are already being taught in schools of optometry across the country, including Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.\u201d<\/p>\n
The law also expands the use of local anesthesia for certain treatments and \u201cupdates the defined statute to include treatment of the eye, eyelids and adnexa, as well as optometry\u2019s ability to perform aesthetic injections, such as botulinum toxin for cosmetic and therapeutic use,\u201d according to the AOA.<\/p>\n
Tennessee is now the 16th state to allow optometric laser surgery, coming soon after the signing of a similar law in Kansas on March 13.<\/p>\n
Tennessee Rep. Ryan Williams<\/b>,<\/b> the bill\u2019s sponsor in the state House of Representatives, said it would help incentivize optometrists to practice in Tennessee.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis would allow Tennessee students who go to Tennessee schools to stay here in Tennessee to practice in rural areas across the state,\u201d Williams said during a House session, adding it would also improve access to care.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurrently, 57 Tennessee counties have no ophthalmologists, and of those, only 41 counties have optometrists,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Part of the law went into effect immediately, \u201cto allow the state’s board of optometry to promulgate rules around the certification process and performance of the new procedures,\u201d Dellinger told Healio. \u201cThe remaining provisions of the bill become effective on Jan. 1, 2028.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians can be reached at admin@taoponline.org.<\/p>\n
![\"primary](\"https:\/\/www.healio.com\/~\/media\/h5\/feature\/news\/publogos\/pcon.svg?la=en&h=28&w=180&hash=9F02AF9127CF86DF7E84A3BCB257547E\")
\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n