Mandates insurance coverage for vision therapy services provided by optometrists.
ISEPS OPPOSES due to lack of valid studies proving vision therapy is effective
Read the Joint Policy Statement of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and the American Association of Certified Orthoptists
Requires health care plans to pay optometrists at the same rate as other providers. Mandates that health insurance plans tell an insured person that they have the right to choose an optometrist as his or her medical eye care provider.
ISEPS is NEUTRAL if amended
Insurance plans should not be required to promote one type of practitioner to the exclusion of others
Optometrists are not "medical" eye care providers. The term "medical" should be removed.
Adds optometrists to to the definition of a "medical examiner" or "medical practitioner" to include a licensed optometrist for the purpose of certifying vision fitness to operate a motor vehicle.
ISEPS is NEUTRAL if amended
Optometrists certainly may certify vision fitness to operate a motor vehicle. However, they are not licensed under the Medical Practice Act and, therefore, cannot be a "medical" examiner or a "medical" practitioner. The references to "medical" need to be changed.
Prohibits a manufacturer or distributor of prescription contact lenses to prevent a retailer from selling or advertising contact lenses below any specified price; and removes certain restrictions on who can sell contact lenses.