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SB 2076

Optometry - As enacted, redefines the practice of optometry. - Amends TCA Title 63, Chapter 8.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bo Watson

Tennessee bill expands optometrists' surgical authority for eye correction while prohibiting certain procedures, shifting some care from ophthalmologists to optometrists.

Pub. Ch. 714
#optometry
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Bill Summary · SB 2076

Legislative bill overview

SB 2076 expands the scope of optometry practice in Tennessee by allowing optometrists to perform board-approved surgical procedures to correct and treat eye abnormalities, while explicitly prohibiting certain surgical procedures that remain restricted to ophthalmologists. The bill amends Tennessee's optometry licensing regulations to redefine what constitutes allowable professional practice.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects healthcare access and cost by potentially enabling more eye care procedures to be performed by optometrists rather than requiring patients to see ophthalmologists (MDs or DOs). It also impacts professional competition within eye care, licensing standards, and patient safety protocols depending on which procedures are approved versus prohibited.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice boundaries: Determining which surgical procedures are "safe enough" for optometrists creates ongoing debate between optometrists seeking expanded authority and ophthalmologists concerned about patient safety and professional standards
  • Patient safety and liability: Questions about training requirements, malpractice insurance, and adverse outcome protocols when procedures are performed by optometrists versus medical doctors
  • Implementation clarity: The bill's reference to "board-approved procedures" leaves significant regulatory discretion to the state board, potentially creating uncertainty about exact permissible procedures until rules are established

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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