WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 1173

Relating to: spectacle lens prescriptions provided by optometrists and professional disciplinary actions by the optometry examining board. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Clancy and 2 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bill would modify optometrist prescription authority and disciplinary procedures for the optometry examining board, though it failed passage in 2026.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 1173

Legislative bill overview

AB 1173 addresses two separate issues related to optometry practice in Wisconsin: the provision of spectacle lens prescriptions by optometrists and the procedures for professional disciplinary actions by the optometry examining board. The bill was introduced in March 2026 but failed to advance past initial consideration.

Why is this important

This bill touches on consumer access to eyecare services and the regulatory oversight of optometrists. Changes to prescription provision rules could affect how quickly patients receive their glasses, while disciplinary procedure modifications would impact professional accountability and consumer protections in the optometry field.

Potential points of contention

  • Prescription ownership and access: Disagreement likely exists over whether optometrists should have expanded authority to directly provide spectacle lens prescriptions versus requiring patient requests or ophthalmologist involvement
  • Disciplinary board procedures: Questions may arise about due process protections for optometrists, investigation timelines, and the balance between protecting consumers and protecting professional practitioners from frivolous complaints
  • Regulatory scope creep: Broader debate about whether optometrists' scope of practice should expand in Wisconsin compared to other regulated healthcare professions

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

Sign in to ask a question.