Eye care law petition gets enough signatures

The state question that, if approved, would allow eye doctors to practice inside big box retail stores has enough signatures to appear on the November ballot.

Oklahoma’s Secretary of State has certified almost 250,000 signatures gathered to put State Question 793 up for a vote. They needed just 123,725 valid signatures of registered voters.

The proposed constitutional amendment would ease restrictions on where eye care and optical retailers can set up shop. Oklahoma’s constitution now prevents optometrists from opening practices in “commercial” settings and further bars retailers from offering eye hardware unless it represents a majority of their sales.

This state question and the campaign is supported by big box retailers like Walmart, who also mobilized a campaign in 2016 to amend Oklahoma’s liquor laws. Retailer-based optometry and optician services are a thriving business in other parts of the country, but Oklahoma is one of three states that still ban that kind of relationship.

Supporters of the state question say that changing the law would allow for cheaper doctor visits and eyewear.

Opponents, however, believe placing doctors inside stores like Walmart, Target and Costco could hurt the integrity of health care in Oklahoma as optometrists sign contracts with those big box retailers.

The Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians opposes the law. CEO Joel Robinson said when the signatures were turned in that those business agreements could affect the kinds of exams or treatment that a doctor provides in a storebased office.

“This is not about cheap glasses. This is about Walmart profits,” he said.

Tim Tippit, chairman of the Yes on 793 campaign, said confirmation of the signatures confirms wide grassroots support.

“Oklahomans are sending a loud and clear message that they want the same access to convenient and affordable eye care that virtually all other Americans enjoy,” Tippit said. “It is time to listen to the communities of Oklahoma and give them the opportunity in November to bring our optical laws into the 21st century.”