Proposed Optometry Bill Impacts OT

On July 1st, 2009, the Optometric Physicians of Washington submitted an Application for WA Statement Dept. of Health Sunrise Review and Approval of Draft House Bill H-0931.2 to amend the scope of practice of optometry in RCW 18.52.010.

In short, the draft bill is designed to update legislation concerning the practice of optometry in Washington. The bill addresses numerous aspects of the optometric scope of practice, the majority of which do not impact occupational therapy in any shape or form. HOWEVER, one contentious issue that this bill seeks to address is the fact that, “current low vision rehabilitation can include services from sources other than an optometric physician or ophthalmologist, meaning the services can be delivered to a patient without the oversight of a regulatory board”.  The proposed amendments to current legislation would “define low vision rehabilitation services as the practice of optometry”. To further clarify the matter in question, my favorite line of the draft bill states, “the definition of low vision rehabilitation services…as the practice of optometry will aid in enforcement against unlicensed practice that is carried out by hairdressers, flea markets, opticians, physical therapists, or occupational therapists”. Hairdressers?? Flea markets?? What??

The bill doesn’t seek to completely disallow OTs from addressing clients’ low vision needs, but rather insists that, “If patients receive low vision services from other sources such as occupational therapists, low vision rehabilitation instructors, and others, an eye doctor should be involved to make sure the services are appropriate. That involvement could take place through making a referral, writing of a prescription or protocol, or periodic monitoring of the patient’s progress”.

An OT’s responsibility to refer clients with a medical condition affecting their vision to a physician is already in keeping with the WA OT licensure law. However, considering that occupational therapy is mentioned by name not once but twice in this peice of legislation, the optometry  bill may indicate the Optometric Physicians of Washington’s desire to carefully monitor and restrict occupational therapy practitioners from working closely with clients with low vision. Speaking as an MOT student, I received valuable education regarding visual impairment, and the many ways that occupational therapy can help  address subsequent performance limitations. Additionally, there are  occupational therapists who specialize in low vision, and have obtained extensive continuing education and training in this area.

To prevent the Optometric Physicians of Washington from imposing unnecessary restrictions on occupational therapists working with clients with low vision it is important that OT practitioner-advocates provide expert testimony regarding occupational therapy’s role in low vision rehabilitation. On August 10th there will be a public hearing to discuss the proposal to change the optometrist scope of practice. The hearing will occur in Tumwater, WA at 9:00 AM. If you are interested in attending this meeting please read the hearing announcement found on this page. Alternatively, you can submit written comments on the proposal to sunrise@doh.wa.gov.