Vermont S64: An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

What the bill says

An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists. (S.64) It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont.

From the chaptered text, June 18, 2026:

An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists. (S.64) It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: Sec. 1. 26 V.S.A. § 1703 is amended to read: § 1703. DEFINITIONS As used in this chapter: (1) "Board" means the State Board of Optometry. (2)(A) The "practice of optometry" means any one or combination of the following practices: (A)(i) Examining the human eyes and visual system for purposes or (ii)(II) diagnosing the presence of eye and adnexa disease or injury, treating the disease or injury with the appropriate therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and procedures in accordance with this chapter, and making referrals to the appropriate health care provider when warranted. (B)(ii) Diagnosing and correcting anomalies of the refractive and functional ability of the visual system and the enhancement of visual performance including the following: (i)(I) prescribing and using ophthalmic lenses, prisms, autorefractor or other automatic testing devices, frames, ophthalmic aids, and prosthetic materials as consistent with the health of the eye; (ii)(II) prescribing and employing contact lenses; and VT LEG #390264 v.1 No. 171 Page 2 of 13 (iii)(III) administering visual training, vision therapy, orthoptics, and pleoptics. (C)(iii) Prescribing and administering appropriate therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, as defined in this section, for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of the eye and adnexa. (D)(iv) Removing …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Rebecca White (D, Windsor District) · primary sponsor
• Philip Baruth (D, Chittenden-Central District)
• Scott Beck (R, Caledonia District)
• Patrick Brennan (R, Grand Isle District)
• Randolph Brock (R, Franklin District)
• Thomas Chittenden (D, Chittenden-Southeast District)
• Alison Clarkson (D, Windsor District)
• Brian Collamore (R, Rutland District)
• Samuel Douglass (R, Orleans District)
• Ruth Hardy (D, Addison District)
• Wendy Harrison (D, Windham District)
• Lawrence Hart (R, Orange District)

Latest actions

1. May 29, 2026: Senate Message: Signed by Governor [June 18, 2026]
2. May 29, 2026: Signed by Governor on [June 18, 2026]
3. May 29, 2026: Delivered to Governor on [June 12, 2026]
4. May 28, 2026: Senate Message: House proposal of amendment concurred in
5. May 28, 2026: Rules suspended & messaged to House forthwith, on motion of Senator [Baruth]
6. May 28, 2026: As passed by Senate and House
7. May 28, 2026: House proposal of amendment concurred in
8. May 28, 2026: House proposal of amendment; text
9. May 28, 2026: Rules suspended & taken up for immediate consideration, on motion of Senator [Baruth]
10. May 28, 2026: House message: House passed bill in concurrence with proposal(s) of amendment

Votes

• Which was agreed to on a Roll Call [Passed -- Needed 66 of 131 to Pass -- Yeas = 93, Nays = 38] (May 28, 2026): 93 yea, 38 nay, passed

Common questions

What is S64?

S64 is a bill in the Vermont Legislature (2025-2026 Session): An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists.

What does S64 do?

In its own words: An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists. (S.64) It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont.

What is the status of S64?

Signed into law as of May 29, 2026. Latest action: Senate Message: Signed by Governor [June 18, 2026] (May 29, 2026).

Who sponsored S64?

Rebecca White (D, Windsor District), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for S64?

On the Vermont Legislature website: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.64