Legislation/Refraction Committee Update
Richard Bauman, Chair

The Legislative / Refraction Committee last met in Lake George during the 70^th Anniversary Convention where we “brainstormed” with Dr. Warren MacDonald, a leading advocate for optician’s refracting, and Prof. Robert Russo, chairman of the ophthalmic dispensing department of New York City Technical College.

Dr. MacDonald presented the results of a survey he conducted to forecast the future of opticianary in the United States. The good news for us is that ALL Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, and Opticians surveyed predicted that refraction WILL eventually be recognized as within the scope of practice for opticians.

Both Dr. MacDonald and Prof. Russo stressed the need for further education to properly train and prepare opticians. Their message was clear: “Educate, then Legislate.”

The committee proposes the following suggestions for the pursuit of refraction:

1. Support a standardized cirriculum for New York’s organized opticianary programs. NYSSO should encourage or facilitate increased communication and cooperation between the educational providers within the state.
2. Revisit the “Career Progression Program” to eliminate licensing eligibility through apprenticeship.    

We do have bills in both the State Assembly and the State Senate, which are waiting to be considered by the Higher Education Committees. NYSSO is actively working to establish renewed relationships with our legislators in a playing field that has undergone significant changes after the last election. Members will be informed of progress in this area as developments occur.

Respectfully submitted,

Rich Bauman

Committee Chair.

If you have any insights or ideas, please contact Rich Bauman at rb@optics-plus.com.

You can learn more about NYSSO's lobbying efforts and New York State laws concerning our profession on our Governmental Affairs page.