Optometrists play an integral role in safeguarding the visual welfare of Kentucky residents. That’s why we support House Bill 191 (HB 191), which will permit the use of online eye care technology and provide safeguards for Kentucky consumers.
This legislation allows doctors to appropriately oversee the use of technology and continues to permit telehealth services directed by a healthcare provider. HB 191 strikes the balance for goals that we all share — using technology, providing access and ensuring patient safety.
It provides the citizens of our state with the same safeguards they receive when they visit my offices and that of any other local eye doctor.
Dr. Julie Metzger
The February 21st Northern Kentucky Tribune included a Commentary that had inaccurate claims about HB 191. I felt it important to clarify that information and write this letter in support of the legislation that is vital to our Commonwealth.
As many online readers have expressed, the Commentary attacking HB 191 was written on behalf of an out-of-state online company. These companies are concerned only that their bottom line dollar may be impacted. HB 191 will protect the visual welfare of the Commonwealth.
I am a practicing doctor of optometry in Kentucky. I have owned and operated a family eye care business in Florence and Covington that just celebrated its 60th year treating Kentucky patients. As a member of this community, my family has actively participated in local business organizations, volunteered with charities and provided eye care to low income individuals through partnerships with local agencies. As an employer, I have a workforce of more than 20 employees and meet a payroll that provides good jobs for our local workforce. And as a doctor of optometry, my interest has always been and will continue to be the visual welfare of the people of this Commonwealth.
I support HB 191 because it permits the use of new eye care technology by Kentucky consumers, but protects them as well. Currently, Kentucky has no standards that address the online technologies used to obtain glasses and contacts. Glasses and contacts are classified by the FDA as medical devices because both impact the health and safety of its users. Common sense requires that these devices and online technologies be held to a reasonable set of standards.
Organizations and out-of-state companies that are opposed to these common-sense safety standards continue to share misinformation about this legislation.
The facts about HB 191 are clear:
· It sets reasonable safety standards for the technology and does not impact doctor-provided treatment or telehealth services. Future technology is not limited. HB 191 expressly states that it does not limit the treatment or services provided by a doctor.
· Kentuckians can use the online technology to take an eye assessment and get a prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
· Kentuckians will continue to have the same freedom to purchase their glasses or contacts as they do today. It does not limit free trade – something I strongly support.
Doctors of optometry in this state feel strongly that patients should receive a high level of care. We embrace any technology that we feel allows us to diagnose and manage our patients’ conditions in an optimal way. In fact, I was president of the Kentucky Optometric Association when we passed a law in 2011 to modernize eye care in Kentucky and create better access to the latest proven technologies.
Advancements in technology should be utilized, but the technology must have standards and protections for our citizens.
I have a responsibility to my patients that goes beyond the time they are in my office. This is why I support HB 191.
Dr. Julie Metzger has been practicing Optometry since 1993. A native of Florence, Dr. Metzger attended Northern Kentucky University before the University of Houston, where she received Bachelor of Science and Optometry Doctorate degrees. Dr. Metzger is Board Certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry.
