Kentucky House bill would hurt eye care

As ophthalmologists, physicians and surgeons who specialize in visual health, we are committed to the utmost standards of patient care. We have grave concerns about House Bill 191, which passed the House and will limit individual freedom, free trade and patient access to eye care. Consider that this bill:

• Limits the evaluation of eye disease through innovative technology and will stifle access to research on virtual medicine, artificial intelligence and self-directed eye care.

• Denies a citizen’s choice to use e-commerce to obtain a glasses prescription, a contact lens renewal, and even receive eye care or telemedicine in their homes without direct doctor supervision and visits to providers’ offices.

• Limits access to technology that provides better access to screening for glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.

• Penalizes the 41.3 percent of Kentuckians living in rural areas and the more than 874,000 Kentuckians with disabilities.

• Negatively impacts taxpayers’ expenses through insurance utilization and direct costs.

We urge the Senate to vote this bill down. The future of visual health and patient access is too critical. Please encourage your senator to oppose this flawed bill that restricts access to consumer eye care and goods.

This story was originally published February 20, 2018 at 7:31 PM with the headline "Kentucky House bill would hurt eye care."