H.B. 256                                                 VETOES

WHEREAS, The Maryland Optometric Association, the Maryland Society of Eye
Physicians and Surgeons, and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene have agreed not to seek or support in the General Assembly any expansion in the
law regarding the scope of optometric practice until at least January 1, 2000; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of the General Assembly to expand the scope of
optometric practice only to the extent specified in this Act; now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows;

Article - Health Occupations

11-101.

(a)     In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)     "Board" means the State Board of Examiners in Optometry.

(C) "DIAGNOSTICALLY CERTIFIED OPTOMETRIST" MEANS A LICENSED
OPTOMETRIST WHO IS CERTIFIED BY THE BOARD TO ADMINISTER TOPICAL OCULAR
DIAGNOSTIC PHARMACEUTICAL AGENTS SUBJECT TO TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED
UNDER § 11-404 OF THIS TITLE.

[(c)](D) "License" means, unless the context requires otherwise, a license issued
by the Board to practice optometry.

[(d)](E) "Licensed optometrist" means, unless the context requires otherwise, an
optometrist who is licensed by the Board to practice optometry.

[(e)](F) "Optometrist" means an individual who practices optometry.

[(f)] (G) (1) "Practice optometry" means:

[(1)](I) [Subject to § 11-404 §§ 11-404 AND 11-404.2 of this title, to] TO
use any means known in the [science] SCIENCES of optics, VISION CARE, OR EYE CARE,
except surgery:

[(i)] 1. To detect, DIAGNOSE, AND SUBJECT TO § 11-404.1 §§ 11-404
AND 11-404.2 OF THIS TITLE, TREAT, SUBJECT TO THIS TITLE, any optical, VISUAL, or
diseased condition in the human eye AND ADNEXA, OR THE VISUAL SYSTEM; or

[(ii)]2. To prescribe eyeglasses or lenses to correct any optical OR
VISUAL condition in the human eye;

[(2)] (II) To give advice or direction on the fitness or adaptation of
eyeglasses or lenses to any individual for the correction or relief of a condition for which
eyeglasses or lenses are worn; or

[(3)] (III) To use or permit the use of any instrument, test card, test type, test
eyeglasses, test lenses, or other device to aid in choosing eyeglasses or lenses for an
individual to wear.

- 4092 -