Beshear Signs Optometry Bill

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has signed the so-called optometry bill into law.The measure quickly cleared the General Assembly this year. It gives optometrists the ability to perform certain medical procedures now reserved for ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors. The bill has drawn some criticisms because of its speedy passage and the hundreds of thousands of dollars optometrists spent lobbying and supporting political candidates in recent years.Gubernatorial candidate and Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw has asked state and federal officials to investigate the issue to see if any rules were broken in the months before the bill passed.Beshear released a statement after signing the measure saying it will give Kentuckians greater access to eye care.