NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians (TAOP) joined Governor Bill Lee as he signed into law a bill expanding Tennesseans’ access to eye care, strengthening rural eye care and better reflecting Doctors of Optometry current education, training and expertise.

Members of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians join Governor Bill Lee and bill sponsor Representative Ryan Williams for the ceremonial signing of the bill to expand access to quality eye care in the state.

The new law authorizes Doctors of Optometry to perform three safe, non-invasive, in-office procedures including YAG capsulotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and peripheral iridotomy (PI) that restore and protect vision and do not involve general anesthesia or a surgical suite.

“By the year 2035, one in five Tennesseans will be 65 or older and with aging often comes eye health challenges,” said Dr. Amanda Dellinger, Legislative Co-Chair, Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians. “Our state is also facing significant provider shortages, especially in our rural areas. This new law will provide access to better care for our aging and rural populations, along with patients of all ages.”

A portion of the new law went into effect immediately to allow the state's Board of Optometry to promulgate rules around the changes. The remaining provisions of the bill become effective on January 1, 2028.

The three newly approved procedures are being performed safely by Doctors of Optometry in 15 other states, four of which border Tennessee, with a complication rate below .001 percent. They are also being taught in schools of optometry across the country including Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, which is one of the highest performing and largest optometry schools in the United States.

Tennessee’s optometry students will now be able to stay here to practice commensurate with their education, training under the supervision of a doctor, and full abilities.

Along with keeping optometry students practicing in Tennessee and generally expanding access to eye care for patients, this legislation keeps treatment with the local, trusted doctors that patients already see and reduces unnecessary referrals, travel and related costs.

“We are grateful to the bill’s prime sponsors Sen. Bo Watson and Rep. Ryan Williams, the 14 co-sponsors in the Senate and 48 co-sponsors in the House, and the overwhelming support we received from the General Assembly through the legislative process,” continued Dellinger

The Senate approved the bill on March 12 by a vote of 29 to 3. The House subsequently passed it by a vote of 80 to 7.