Updates

David L. McCartney MD, — who has practiced ophthalmology for over 30 years in West Texas and graduated with honors from University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio — in his op-ed for the Amarillo Globe-News: 

Meet Charlotte Allison, from Texas. At the advice and recommendation of her optometrist — who told her that she required “minor” laser surgery to correct a problem with her vision — she underwent what should have been a simple, short procedure. 

But instead of being referred to an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor and surgeon) near her home, her optometrist had her travel six hours to Louisiana — one of only four states in the U.S. that allow optometrists to perform this surgery.

The result was disastrous: a laser eye surgery that should take 10 minutes lasted two hours and caused permanent vision loss. 

See below for Charlotte's story, in her own words. 

Gary W. Floyd, MD — a pediatrician practicing in Fort Worth, board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics — writes in opposition to House Bill 1798 in his op-ed for the Fort Worth Star Telegram: 

Former Deputy Sheriff Dennis McManaman trusted his optometrist with his eyesight. But today, Dennis is nearly blind because of his optometrist's failure to test for or even mention glaucoma.

By the time he went to an ophthalmologist, it was too late — the glaucoma was too far along to treat. 

His story is one of many, and if the standards for eye care are lowered like powerful special interests want, this will only be the beginning. 

Here is Dennis McManaman's story, in his own words from a letter he wrote to Texas State Legislators.

Ophthalmologists are physicians; optometrists are not.

Patient safety starts with patients receiving the right treatment by the right provider. Non-physicians can make a crucial mis-diagnosis, like in the case of this mother and child.

If special interests have their way, this will become the norm in Texas.

Both optometrists and ophthalmologists go by the title "DOCTOR" -- but only ophthalmologists went to medical school and are qualified to diagnose and treat medical conditions.

In Texas, that can change -- and patients will pay the price.

If you believe ALL Texans should receive the right eye care, then join us at Safe Vision Texas.