Nevada ODs Prepare to Remove Certification Barrier

NOA's 2027 legislative priority would eliminate a longstanding co-management requirement while maintaining existing education, examination and patient-care requirements for glaucoma certification.

NOA's 2027 legislative priority would eliminate a longstanding co-management requirement while maintaining existing education, examination and patient-care requirements for glaucoma certification.

The Nevada Optometric Association is preparing to pursue legislation in 2027 aimed at removing a longstanding barrier for Nevada doctors of optometry seeking certification to treat patients diagnosed with glaucoma.

NOA members received their first detailed look at the effort during the association's Sept. 19 membership meeting at Paris Las Vegas, where leadership outlined the proposed legislation and what will be needed to advance it during the 2027 Nevada legislative session.

Under current Nevada law, an optometrist seeking glaucoma certification must meet several requirements, including holding a Nevada optometry license, successfully completing the National Board of Examiners in Optometry's Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease examination, holding a certificate to administer and prescribe pharmaceutical agents, and providing proof of having treated at least 15 patients diagnosed with glaucoma in consultation with an ophthalmologist for at least 12 consecutive months.

NOA's proposed legislation would eliminate the 15-patient co-management requirement while leaving the state's other certification requirements intact.

Modernizing the Certification Process

The proposed change would not expand the procedures or conditions Nevada doctors of optometry are authorized to treat, nor would it eliminate existing clinical requirements and patient safeguards governing glaucoma care.

Instead, NOA is seeking to address a certification process that can create a practical obstacle for otherwise qualified doctors because completion depends on the participation of an ophthalmologist over the course of at least 12 months.

That can be particularly challenging in areas of Nevada where access to an ophthalmologist may be limited. 

The existing requirement dates to legislation enacted in 1999. NOA believes the certification process should reflect today's optometric education and training while maintaining appropriate safeguards for patients.

The Road to the 2027 Legislature

The proposal has been submitted to the Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau as BDR 46, sponsored by Sen. Marilyn Dondero Loop. It is currently identified as a measure to revise provisions relating to optometry.

The Nevada Legislature's 84th Session convenes Feb. 1, 2027. As the legislative process advances, BDR 46 will receive a bill number and move through the Legislature's committee process.

Member participation will be important as the legislation advances. Nevada doctors of optometry should be prepared to:

• Register their position through the Nevada Electronic Legislative Information System when opportunities for public input become available.
• Contact their legislators and share how the existing certification requirement affects doctors and patient access in their communities.
• Be ready to engage as the bill moves through hearings and legislative deadlines.
  
  NOA will provide members with updates, talking points and specific opportunities to take action throughout the legislative session.
  
  Watch for NOA advocacy alerts as the 2027 legislative session approaches and be ready to make your voice heard.