An Act relative to updating the licensure of optometrists

This bill updates Massachusetts optometry licensure requirements. It defines "practice of optometry" to include diagnosing related systemic conditions and requires optometrists licensed before specific dates (1984, 1994, or 2021) to retake and pass exams by 2022 or 2025 to use certain medications (diagnostic pharmaceuticals, glaucoma treatments, or oral medications). The bill also adds a requirement for optometrists to participate in state medical assistance programs to order/referring covered services. These changes directly affect older-licensed optometrists seeking to maintain medication privileges.