As the only statewide organization representing California ophthalmologists and their patients, the California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (CAEPS) is dedicated to protecting the sight of all Californians and empowering ophthalmologists through education and legislative advocacy. We work to protect patients and the field of ophthalmology. When your profession is under threat, CAEPS is already in the fight to protect your patients and practice through legislative advocacy.
The CAEPS
Advocacy Mission
Our Impact
Proven Results for California Ophthalmology
Your membership support is essential and delivers real results for California ophthalmology. CAEPS provides a vital network for ophthalmologists to connect and share insights. We work tirelessly to uphold professional standards and protect patients and the ophthalmology profession.
Vetoed – Assembly Bill 2236 (AB 2236) Optometry
AB 2236 passed the legislature at the very last minute of the legislative session by ONE vote (41 Aye, 39 No or Abstain).
It would have allowed optometrists to do eye surgery with lasers and scalpels, and corneal crosslinking with minimal training.
Thankfully the Governor had the wisdom to VETO the bill:
To the Members of the California State Assembly:
I am returning Assembly Bill 2236 without my signature.
This bill would authorize optometrists to perform ocular surgical procedures currently performed by ophthalmologists after completing specified education and training.
I am not convinced that the education and training required is sufficient to prepare optometrists to perform the surgical procedures identified. This bill would allow optometrists to perform advanced surgical procedures with less than one year of training. In comparison, physicians who perform these procedures must complete at least a three year residency program.
For this reason, I cannot sign this bill.
Sincerely,
Gavin Newsom
A Message from President, Michael Couris, M.D.
A recent court decision in West Virginia should get everyone’s attention. A state circuit court struck down a Board of Optometry rule that would have allowed optometrists to perform eyelid surgery after it was found to have bypassed required patient-safety review. That outcome occurred only because the West Virginia Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons took decisive legal action.
This is not theoretical—and it is not confined to other states.
Here in California, the California Board of Optometry has adopted a regulation allowing optometrists to perform radiofrequency surgical procedures, again through a regulatory process rather than the legislature.
In response….
CAEPS has filed a case in Sacramento Superior Court seeking to overturn this regulation,
using a legal strategy similar to what proved successful in West Virginia.
These efforts are essential—but they are also expensive. Litigation, regulatory advocacy, and continuous monitoring of scope expansion require significant financial resources and sustained engagement.
Strong membership participation is what makes this work possible. Without it, our ability to act quickly and effectively is compromised. Now more than ever, CAEPS needs every ophthalmologist engaged and invested.
Process
The Advocacy
Process
CAEPS’s advocacy process is built on a foundation of communication, education, and action to protect the profession and patients.
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Your Support Makes a Difference.
Help us continue our mission of advocating for patients and empowering ophthalmologists throughout California. Every contribution strengthens our ability to protect your practice and your patients’ vision. When challenges arise—and they will— CAEPS is ready. Are you?
