2024 - SB 440

The NHOA has introduced significant legislation for the 2024 legislative session which will bring the profession of optometry in NH from a state of antiquated restrictions to a state of modernized and contemporary authority.

March 30, 2024

February 6, 2024

February 5, 2024

To combat the attacks from ophthalmology, NHOA will have a greater presence on facebook.  Give us a like, follow and share!

https://www.facebook.com/ NewHampshireOptometricAssociat ion/

February 4, 2024

OP-ED: Sawyer & Loranger:  SB 440 will improve access to quality eye care (NH Union Leader)

DURING THE past several decades, education and training of doctors of optometry, like all health care providers, has advanced to the ultimate benefit of patients. Unlike other health care providers, however, the practice of optometry is arbitrarily limited by New Hampshire laws, which have failed to keep pace with these advancements and with the growing patient-driven demands in the health care marketplace today. The result is outdated, restrictive optometric practice laws in New Hampshire that needlessly limit access to quality eye care.  (Click here to read the full Op-Ed)

February 4, 2024 

New Website Launched - Trusted Eycare NH

January 17, 2024 - Senate Hearing Day!

SB 440 was heard in the Senate's Executive Departments and Adminstration Committee today, marking the first step in turning this important, patient-centered bill into law.  The steps taken today were strong and purposeful.  Great job team!

An Executive Report and/or communication will follow. 

You can watch the hearing by clicking here.


January 15, 2024

  • The first hearing on SB 440 is scheduled for Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.. 
  • Missed the live-stream?  You may access the hearing's recording here.

NHOA members are encouraged to become engaged in helping to shepherd SB 440 through the legislative process.  We cannot do it alone!  Further information wlll be routinely posted here on these pages.


January 14, 2024 - ( NH Journal)

LICCIARDI: SB 440 Puts Surgical Eye Safety at Risk and Should be Rejected

The New Hampshire Senate is considering Senate Bill 440, which poses a serious threat to quality eye care for patients in need of advanced eye surgery. This hazardous legislation would grant optometrists, who are not medical doctors or trained surgeons, the authority to perform delicate surgery on and around the eye with lasers and scalpels.

As an ophthalmologist, I underwent an extensive educational journey spanning a minimum of eight years, which included medical school, hospital residency, and surgical training. Training and education prepared me to be a medical doctor first before receiving the rigorous training that equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to be a surgeon acquired through hundreds of surgical procedures. Conversely, optometrists attend optometry school only,  and their surgical training in an optometry educational curriculum consists of a 32-hour course that could be completed over a long weekend. .... click to read more...


MAKE YOUR CONTRIBUTION


GRASSROOTS ACTION - Senate

GRASSROOTS ACTION - House

Want to make a difference?  Look for these logos in future NHOA communications!



Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze