VA Optometry Board

Virginia Optometrists Gain Laser Surgery Authority After Certification

The 2022 Virginia General Assembly passed HB213 and SB375 expanding the scope of practice for TPA-Certified Optometrists to perform three laser surgical procedures: peripheral iridotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty, and YAG capsulotomy. The Virginia Board of Optometry will convene a Regulatory Advisory Panel after July 1, 2022 to develop regulations for the certification process. No optometrist may perform these surgical laser procedures until final regulations become effective and certification is obtained.

Virginia Laser Surgery Certification Regulations Effective May 2025

The Virginia Board of Optometry has issued new laser surgery certification regulations under 18 VAC 105-20-100 and 18VAC105-20-110. Certified optometrists must report laser surgery data to the Board for the period May 1 through July 1, 2025, including procedure counts, types, conditions treated, and adverse outcomes requiring ophthalmologist referral. Beginning July 1, 2025, laser-certified optometrists must maintain three years of documentation including procedure counts, types, and adverse outcomes, subject to Board random audits with 30-day response requirements.

Scam Alert: Fraudulent Board Communications Targeting Licensees

The Virginia Board of Optometry issued a scam alert warning licensees about fraudulent communications from individuals impersonating the Board or agencies such as the DEA. Scammers use spoofed phone numbers and official-looking letterhead to demand money or personal information, sometimes threatening arrest or license suspension. The Board advises verifying suspicious contacts by calling the Enforcement Division directly and reporting incidents to law enforcement or the FTC.

Repeals Professional Designation Requirements for Optometrists

The Virginia Board of Optometry repealed 18VAC105-20-50, Professional Designations, effective October 29, 2020. Optometrists in Virginia are no longer required to register or renew professional designations. The Board also confirmed no changes to continuing education requirements for the current licensure period of April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021.

Cholinergic Agonists Added to Virginia TPA-Formulary

The Virginia Board of Optometry completed the regulatory process to add cholinergic agonists to the TPA-Formulary effective May 25, 2022. Under 18VAC105-20-47, TPA-certified optometrists may now procure, administer, and prescribe cholinergic agonists as Schedule VI topical agents to treat diseases and abnormal conditions of the human eye and its adnexa.