Advocating for Vision Health Care
Did you know about 80 percent of vision problems are avoidable or even curable? While that is certainly a comforting statistic, it also underscores the importance of lifelong vision care. This session I filed a trio of vision-related health care bills. If signed into law, these measures will increase access to vision care, and give doctors and patients more freedom in choosing treatment options.
Similar to legislation I filed in previous years, Senate Bill 830 prohibits insurance companies from requiring optometrists to provide services or materials that are not covered and reimbursed under the plan at a discounted rate. It also allows optometrists to opt in to a discount vision plan. It is not right that an insurance company can dictate how much a doctor can charge for services that are not covered by the plan; nor is it fair that an insurance company can limit a patient’s choice of where they get their glasses, contact lenses and other materials. Senate Bill 830 seeks to put more control back into the hands of physicians and their patients.
Another measure, Senate Bill 836, provides that the statutory prohibition of the unlawful practice of optometry shall not apply to students enrolled in an accredited school of optometry and practicing under the personal direction of instructors. Allowing our optometry students to take the skills and knowledge they have learned in the classroom out into the community fulfills two vital needs: first, they are able to gain the real-world experience and training they need to be successful after school; and second, they are able to volunteer their services in schools, nursing homes and other community organizations, providing free vision care to those who may not otherwise have access.
Finally, Senate Bill 868 extends the sunset provision for coverage of early refills of prescription eye drops from Jan. 1, 2017, to Jan. 1, 2020. When using eye drops, it can be difficult to administer the exact amount; as a result, patients often find their drops run out before they have completed treatment. Senate Bill 868 simply extends the current statute allowing for the coverage of early refills on prescription eye drops.
If you have any questions or comments about this or any other matter regarding your state government, please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-1503; you are also welcome to e-mail me at jay.wasson@senate.mo.gov.
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