WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a historic win, Vermont became the 17th state to expand scope of practice for optometrists and improve access to essential eye healthcare services, with the authorization of optometric laser procedures. Signed by Vermont Gov. Phil Scott on June 18, the new law creates an Advanced Therapeutic Procedures Specialty License and, beginning July 1, 2028, authorizes qualified Vermont doctors of optometry to provide additional in-office procedures, including certain ophthalmic laser procedures, the American Optometric Association (AOA) said in an announcement.
Vermont’s enacted legislation makes it the third state in 2026 to achieve a major scope advancement, following landmark wins in Kansas in March and Tennessee in April, as reported by VMAIL.
“This is a historic day for Vermont patients and doctors of optometry,” said Tina Keshava, OD, president of the Vermont Optometric Association (VOA). “For years, Vermont doctors have worked to ensure our laws reflect the education and training we receive today. This legislation will improve access to care across our state and help more patients receive the services they need closer to home.”
The VOA spearheaded the effort, leading a years-long campaign to educate policymakers and advance legislation that reflects contemporary optometric education and patient care needs, said the AOA. The success was bolstered by support from the AOA State Government Relations Center, whose advocacy expertise and partnership helped reinforce Vermont optometry’s efforts, the announcement noted.
As per the legislation and the AOA, Vermont doctors of optometry who complete the required training will be authorized to perform a range of in-office procedures, including the following:
• Laser capsulotomy
• Laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI)
• Laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
• Corneal cross-linking
• Removal of certain eyelid and periocular lesions
• Repair of minor eyelid injuries
• Periocular injections for medications and anesthesia
“Vermont’s victory is about more than one state; it reflects the growing momentum behind expanding patient access to care across America,” said Jacquie M. Bowen, OD, president of the AOA. “As the third major scope advancement of 2026, this historic win demonstrates the increasing recognition of doctors of optometry as essential healthcare providers at the ready to address Americans’ needs. The AOA is proud to stand alongside the VOA and affiliates nationwide as we continue advancing the future of eye healthcare.”
For Vermont patients, the AOA said this law will mean improved access to timely care closer to home; and for optometry, it represents another important milestone in a growing nationwide movement to modernize outdated practice laws, ensuring ODs can practice to the full extent of their education, training and licensure.
“Together, these wins demonstrate the continued strength of state affiliate advocacy and the growing recognition among policymakers that modernizing optometric practice laws improves access to essential eye health and vision care,” the AOA said in the announcement.
