Virginia Laser Surgery Certification Regulations Effective May 2025

New Regulations for Laser Surgery Certification Page 2

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION DOCUMENTS NEEDED: Please note that all optometrists seeking laser surgery certification must have an educational attestation and evidence of proctored sessions submitted directly to the Board on two separate board-approved forms found here: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Optometry/PractitionerResources/Forms/ APPLICATION ASSISTANCE: If questions remain after reading the application instructions found here, contact the Board of Optometry at optbd@dhp.virginia.gov for assistance. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR LASER SURGERY Subsection 18 VAC 105-20-100 of the regulations requires an optometrist certified to perform laser surgery by the board to report the following information to the board for procedures performed between May 1, 2025, and July 1, 2025:

1. The number and type of laser surgeries performed by the optometrist;

2. The conditions treated for each laser surgery performed; and

3. Any adverse treatment outcomes associated with such procedures that required
   a referral to an ophthalmologist for treatment. This requirement does not apply to procedures performed after July 1, 2025, which under subsection 18VAC105-20-110 provides for a quality assurance review process beginning July 1, 2025, that requires a laser-certified optometrist to maintain documentation of the following for not less than three years:

4. The number and type of laser surgeries performed by the optometrist; and

5. Any adverse treatment outcomes associated with such procedures that
   required referral to an ophthalmologist for treatment. The board may conduct a random audit of licensees requiring a licensee to provide this documentation to the board within 30 days of notification of the audit.