Minnesota passes first scope expansion bill in over 2 decades

Minnesota was previously rated in the bottom 10% nationwide in scope of practice for doctors of optometry. Image credit: AdobeStock/CK

The Minnesota Optometric Association is celebrating recent legislation that was passed in the form of the state’s first optometric scope expansion bill in more than 20 years. The law will work to remove outdated restrictions on medications and allowing some in-office procedures and will take effect in August, according to an American Optometric Association news release.

“It’s a big win to reduce some of the frustration points that patients have in our health care system,” says Randy Kempfer, OD, advocacy director for the MOA. “Patients can take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of doctors of optometry.”

The bill is a product of more than 7 years of advocacy by the MOA, with the bill first being introduced in 2018. The first Senate hearing came in 2020 right before COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. “It killed out momentum that year,” Kempfer said in the release.

The bill will make 3 changes that enhance oral medication usage, with 1 change expanding access to in-office procedures. Kempfer stated in the release that this had a significant impact on patient care in the state.

“Minnesota was in the bottom 10% nationwide in scope of practice for doctors of optometry,” he said in the release. “Patients in Minnesota were struggling to find the eye care they needed.”

Previously, ODs in Minnesota could only prescribe oral antivirals for up to 10 days. “That was a huge barrier,” Kempfer said in the release. The bill removes that restriction, allowing oral antiviral prescriptions with an unlimited timeframe. “Some patients need antivirals long term to save their vision,” he said in the release.

The bill will also work to remove restrictions on prescribing carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for glaucoma. Other medications that were barred from ODs’ prescribing power were oral steroids. Now, the bill will allow optometrists to prescribe the steroids for up to 14 days without requiring a consultation with an MD.¹

“We join 44 other states in having the ability to prescribe oral steroids,” Kempfer said in the release.

Additionally, optometrists will now be allowed to administer in-office injections to treat minor eyelid issues, including local anesthesia, removing lesions 5 mm and small, and injecting paralytic agents, including for cosmetic purposes.¹

“Prior, patients would have to wait, potentially months, to see another provider,” Kempfer said in the release. “Now we can help our patients right in the office.”

Reference:

1. Minnesota passes long-awaited scope expansion bill. News release. American Optometric Association. July 16, 2025. Accessed July 18, 2025. https://www.aoa.org/news/advocacy/state-advocacy/minnesota-passes-long-awaited-scope-expansion-bill