Optometrists Vs. Ophthalmologists: which ones are real doctors?

Or: which ones do you want pointing lasers into your eyeballs?

Well, if you live in Kentucky then don't worry about knowing the difference, 'cause now you can get the same surgical eye procedures from either/or:

"Optometrists are licensed to conduct eye examinations, prescribe glasses and contact lenses and diagnose and treat various eye conditions and diseases. SB 110 would allow them to perform certain procedures, including a laser procedure to correct problems that sometimes occur after cataract surgery."

(Courier-Journal, Feb 11, 2011)

So, SB 110 sailed through the usual chutes & ladders of KY legislature back in February to emerge victorious and curiously unquestioned by almost everyone involved. It took only 4 days--from when it was proposed to when it passed into law with a 33-3 vote.

Looks like optometrists have been greasing somebody's palms, amiright? According to the C-J:

"Campaign contribution records on the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance's Website show that optometrists gave about $264,000 in campaign donations in 2010 alone -- most of that to candidates for the legislature. And the group's political action committee, the Optometric PAC, gave another $132,700"

Uh-huh. It all makes you very wary, doesn't it? A group of people who where not really trained to do surgery (on your eyes!), but who so desperately want to cut on your peepers (with lasers!) that they'll make it rain on whoever to get their way. Yikes. (Yeah, yeah, I know: this very thing happens all the time. But, shit KY: do you have to make it look so obvious? Howsabout a little deliberation? For decorum's sake?)

But the real question that should be on everybody's mind is "what does KY's own fake ophthalmologist think about all these wanna-be eye surgeon upstarts?" Well, Randy hasn't been very vocal about this one, curiously--except via loathsome good old boy cronies who like to name drop:

"Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, said afterward that some ophthalmologists who oppose the bill spoke to him this week about their concerns -- and that one of them was U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Bowling Green.

Because of the concerns, a committee meeting was held Friday morning at which ophthalmologists said the bill would give optometrists the authority to perform procedures beyond their training.

Williams emphasized that the bill passed with only three no votes. [Guess a few people didn't get invited out to the club the night they were handing out buckets o' money]

"There was no rush. There was support. Look at the level of support out there. We pass bills when there's the support," he said. [Yeah, hey, lookit the support! Gosh, actually, you know, I'm having trouble seeing anything--where can a girl get a good eye-lasering around here? Everybody's licensed now, right?]

Williams described his conversation with Paul as "fine." He said he "talked to Sen. Paul frequently about a lot of things, and he and I have talked about this bill. ... Obviously he was not supportive of this bill."

So, big surprise: David Williams (who is running for governor, BTW) wants to make it clear that he and his good pal "Dr." Paul are always shooting the shit "about a lot of things." But why do you think Randy is really against SB 110? My theory is that he wants to keep all the power of lasers to himself! Sure, I mean how else can he truly capitalize on his hushed-up gamma radiation-induced super power if every commoner with an associates degree can wield them?

"Look into my eyes, David Williams!"

So is this a victory for KY optometrists? Maybe, but watch your backs, fellas! "Dr." Lazer Eyes might be coming by to fix your cataracts...permanently!