Lay summary
Recently, the optometry regulator in New Zealand has approved a controversial major scope-of-practice change allowing the profession to perform ophthalmic laser surgery. Specifically, an optometrist now with a specialist optometrist scope of practice – ophthalmic laser surgeries on their registration is authorised to use a neodymium: yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for capsulotomy and/or peripheral iridotomy in an approved hospital setting.
The initiative was designed to overcome a significant lack of ophthalmology cover in many areas across New Zealand, which ODOB highlighted in a 2018 report. With there being sufficient optometrists in the country, by allowing some to perform minor laser surgeries would reduce the burden on the private and public ophthalmology sector, and lower geographical barriers to accessing care.
The proposed study will conduct a feasibility, benefit and risk analysis of optometrists performing the lasers in New Zealand. The study will also analyse the cost-effectiveness, and economic impact of this.