Op-Ed: Close-to-Home Eye Care for Montana: Modernizing Optometry Laws to Improve Access

For Montana’s elderly citizens, nursing home residents, and others who struggle to travel long distances for medical care, access to trusted eye care close to home is essential. Yet, outdated laws in Montana restrict highly trained doctors of optometry from performing certain in-office procedures that could safely and effectively be done in their offices. It is time to modernize these regulations to ensure Montanans can receive timely, high-quality care without the burden of traveling hundreds of miles.

Montana’s optometrists are often the first resource for patients’ vision and eye health. However, current state laws limit their ability to fully utilize their extensive education and training. These restrictions prevent optometrists from performing in-office procedures that they are qualified to provide, such as laser treatments for glaucoma, minor post-cataract surgeries and others—procedures that have been safely performed by optometrists in other states for decades.

The lack of access to local care disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including seniors and those living in rural or underserved areas. For many, traveling to urban centers for basic procedures is not just inconvenient but a significant barrier to receiving necessary care. By passing the Optometry Bill 2025, Montana can eliminate these barriers and bring modern, patient-centered care closer to home.

Proven Safety and Trust: The evidence is clear: Optometrists in 12 states, including Wyoming, South Dakota, and Colorado, safely perform these procedures. Data shows over 146,000 laser treatments performed by optometrists without unforeseen complications. Moreover, 94% of Americans trust optometrists as reliable sources of eye health care, underscoring their critical role in managing patients’ vision and overall health.

Montana’s optometrists are equipped to meet these standards. They complete nearly 10,000 hours of education and training, manage thousands of patient cases before practicing independently, and pass rigorous board exams. Their expertise ensures these in-office procedures can be done safely and effectively.

Tangible Benefits for Patients: Updating Montana’s optometry laws will have a profound impact on patients across the state:

• Improved Access: Rural and underserved communities often face long waits and costly travel to see specialists. Allowing optometrists to perform these procedures locally eliminates unnecessary referrals, saving patients both time and money.

• Enhanced Care: By enabling optometrists to use the tools and techniques they are trained for, Montanans can receive high-quality, timely eye care close to home, reducing delays in treatment that could compromise health outcomes.

• Strengthened Healthcare Infrastructure: Aligning Montana’s laws with neighboring states not only attracts top talent to our communities but also addresses significant gaps in healthcare coverage.

A Common-Sense Solution: Montana’s Doctors of Optometry have delivered safe, effective, and trusted care for decades. Modernizing these laws allows them to continue that legacy while ensuring our state remains at the forefront of accessible healthcare. The Optometry Bill 2025 is a practical, patient-focused solution that prioritizes the needs of Montanans.

We urge lawmakers to support this legislation to guarantee that all Montanans, especially our elderly and underserved populations, can access the eye care they need—close to home, safe, and trusted. Let’s modernize Montana’s optometry laws and improve healthcare for everyone in our state.

The Authors: Dr. Haley Menge, Dr. Jon Kolstad and Dr. Kristen O’Brien are doctors of optometry practicing in Montana. Dr. Menge has been serving the Glasgow community for the past 11 years after returning to her rural, northeastern Montana roots. Dr. Kolstad also practices in rural northeast Montana, where he has supported clinics in Glasgow, Scobey and Wolf Point for the past 23 years. Dr. Kristin O’Brien is in private practice in Sidney and serves patients in a roughly 100-mile radius.