Walmart and eye care

Regarding “Eye care proposal worthy of support” (Our Views, Oct. 12): State Question 793 is not about “access and lower prices” for eye care. If that were the case, Walmart could open optical outlets within our current laws and provide low-cost eyeglasses. Instead, it’s about Walmart attempting to change our state constitution to meet its business model and increase its profits as it controls a health care profession. You state that retailers’ restrictions are only to prevent laser surgeries from being conducted in a retail setting, but where in the language of the amendment is that stated? SQ 793 says nothing prevents optometrists from signing an agreement with a retailer restricting their practice of optometry.

Current law is designed to assure the public is provided the highestquality eye care; however, restricting that practice could compromise those protections. You also state that there would be no difference in service between retail and other optometric physicians because it will be landlordtenant agreements in the retail setting. If so, why have an agreement that restricts their practice?

In an altruistic world, Walmart might really be looking out for Oklahomans and their eye care, but is a corporation, which restricts employees’ hours to keep from paying benefits to its lowest wage earners, truly going to look

out for the best interest of eye care patients? Or is it all about their bottom line? Please keep health care out of corporate control and vote “no” on SQ 793.

Gerald McMullin, Kingfisher