LETTER | 'Scaremongering' over eye care reforms disappointing but not surprising

Derek M Allmer, O.D.

I was disappointed but not surprised to read Dr. Mike Eide's recent opinion on the proposed expansion  of practice for optometry that is being considered by the South Dakota Legislature. Factions of ophthalmology and optometry unfortunately have a long history of opposition as gains by one  profession tend to affect the other financially and professionally. On the bright side, there are also  providers that work together to improve eye care in our great state in an effort to address the shortage  of eye care providers being experienced in many areas. When I moved to South Dakota 24 years ago, the scaremongering was that letting optometrists prescribe oral medications in South Dakota would kill many people. That, of course, never happened. Today, only the language is different as applied to “complicated” – Dr. Eide's term – eye care procedures. 

VIEWPOINT | No compromises for eye surgery

The expansion of practice being considered by the Legislature includes laser capsulotomy, laser  peripheral iridotomy and laser trabeculoplasty. Scary words to say the least. But the truth is, these are  straight-forward procedures that can be performed quickly in office, with minimal complications. A  YAG laser capsulotomy is needed by approximately 20 percent of people following cataract surgery when a  film forms on the implanted lens. If you live in a rural area, would it be better to be treated that day, or to need a referral to an ophthalmology clinic for an evaluation, and then a separate visit for the  procedure? A peripheral iridotomy is often used to relieve severely elevated eye pressure when a  patient experiences an angle-closure form of glaucoma. If this pressure is not relieved quickly, it can  damage nerves and cause permanent loss of vision. Again, a straight-forward procedure. Would it better serve our population to relieve this pressure in office, or make them travel to a larger city with an  ophthalmology center before relief can be provided?