Legislative
(MSO) serves as the leading voice for optometry in the Commonwealth, working to protect, advance, and strengthen the profession at both the state and national levels. Through strategic collaboration with an experienced lobbying team, MSO actively monitors and evaluates proposed legislation and regulatory changes that could impact the practice of optometry. This proactive approach enables early identification of potentially harmful or restrictive measures, ensuring that the profession’s interests—and patient access to high-quality eye care—are safeguarded.
The MSO supports the following bills in the 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of MA
SD.1538/HD.413 - An Act Relative to Updating the Licensure of Optometrists
Sponsor(s): Sen. Michael O. Moore (D), Worcester/Rep. Tackey Chan (D), Norfolk
Summary: Updates the 1934 definition of Optometry in the Statutes.
SD.591 - An Act to Close the Achievement Gap by Addressing Disparities in Children's Vision
Sponsor: Sen. Michael O. Moore (D), Worcester
Summary: Adds new Sections 238 and 238A to GL Chapter 111 (Public Health) to establish and regulate a children’s vision and eye health advisory council within the Department of Public Health.
The MSO is closely following these bills that impact optometry practice
HB.1362 - An Act Relative to Defining Invasive Surgery
Sponsor: Rep. Carole A. Fiola (D) 6th Bristol
Summary: HB.1362 risks rolling back access to safe, routine eye care that has been used as a standard of care for decades. Legislators should ensure that any bill defining “invasive surgical procedures” is clear, precise, and does not inadvertently restrict optometry’s long-standing, safe practices - or drive the next generation of providers out of Massachusetts. The MSO strongly opposes this bill.
"Not A Doctor" Legislation
"Not-a-doctor" bills are legislative proposals that aim to restrict or prohibit certain healthcare professionals, such as optometrists, from using the title "doctor" or being referred to as physicians. Several bills have been introduced in Massachusetts that include language of concern to the MSO. These types of legislation not only disrespects the extensive education and training of optometrists but also poses risks to patient care by creating confusion and limiting access to qualified eye care professionals. The MSO works to oppose these bills and protect the professional status of optometrists in Massachusetts, but we need your support to continue the fight!
