- H.R. 10171August 27, 2026
- H.R. 10156August 27, 2026
- H.R. 10172August 27, 2026
- H.R. 10160August 27, 2026
- H.R. 10181August 27, 2026
- H.R. 10176August 27, 2026
- H.Res. 1496August 27, 2026
- H.R. 10164August 27, 2026
- H.R. 10170August 27, 2026
- H.Res. 1494August 27, 2026
- H.R. 10163August 27, 2026
- H.R. 10157August 27, 2026
- AdministrationU.S. House
- AgricultureU.S. House
- Agriculture, Nutrition, And ForestryU.S. House
- AppropriationsU.S. House
- Armed ServicesU.S. House
- Banking, Housing, And Urban AffairsU.S. House
- BudgetU.S. House
- Commerce, Science, And TransportationU.S. House
- Education and WorkforceU.S. House
- Energy And CommerceU.S. House
- Energy And Natural ResourcesU.S. House
- Environment And Public WorksU.S. House
- EthicsU.S. House
- FinanceU.S. House
- Financial ServicesU.S. House
- Foreign AffairsU.S. House
- Foreign RelationsU.S. House
- Health, Education, Labor, And PensionsU.S. House
- Homeland SecurityU.S. House
- Homeland Security And Governmental Affa…U.S. House
- Indian AffairsU.S. House
- Indian and Insular AffairsU.S. House
- IntelligenceU.S. House
- JudiciaryU.S. House
- Natural ResourcesU.S. House
- Oversight And Government ReformU.S. House
- Permanent Select IntelligenceU.S. House
- RulesU.S. House
- Rules And AdministrationU.S. House
- Science, Space, And TechnologyU.S. House
- Select IntelligenceU.S. Senate
- Small BusinessU.S. House
- Small Business And EntrepreneurshipU.S. House
- Subcommittee on AviationU.S. House
- Subcommittee on Border Security and Enf…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritim…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digi…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Conservation, Research,…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and In…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infra…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Disability Assistance a…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Economic Development, P…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Economic OpportunityU.S. House
- Subcommittee on Emergency Management an…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Reso…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Federal LandsU.S. House
- Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticultu…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on General Farm Commoditie…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on HealthU.S. House
- Subcommittee on Highways and TransitU.S. House
- Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and P…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign A…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Oversight and Investiga…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigatio…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, a…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Transportation and Mari…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Water Resources and Env…U.S. House
- Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fis…U.S. House
- Transportation And InfrastructureU.S. House
- Veterans' AffairsU.S. House
- Ways And MeansU.S. House

S 393
South Carolina Senate•Introduced
Summary
S 393, which optometrists, was introduced in the Senate on Feb 26, 2025 by Sen. Jason Elliott (R) with 15 co-sponsors. It was referred to Medical Affairs, and last saw action on Jun 4, 2025: Scrivener's error corrected.
Record
Text
S 393 has 15 co-sponsors.
s393/draft.txtSouth Carolina General Assembly126th Session, 2025-2026Bill 393Indicates Matter StrickenIndicates New Matter(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)A billTO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION40-37-35 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN OPTOMETRY MAY ISSUERESTRICTED VOLUNTEER MEMBER LICENSES TO OPTOMETRISTS FROM OTHER STATES WHO MEETCERTAIN CRITERIA, AND TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SUPERVISION, DURATION,AND REGULATION OF SUCH LICENSES, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION40-37-10, RELATING TO MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA BOARD OFEXAMINERS IN OPTOMETRY, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS; BYAMENDING SECTION 40-37-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE REGULATION OFOPTOMETRISTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-37-30,RELATING TO LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY, SO AS TOPROVIDE ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES THAT CONSTITUTE THE PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY; BYAMENDING SECTION 40-37-40, RELATING TO POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD, SO AS TOPROVIDE THE BOARD SHALL REQUIRE LICENSED OPTOMETRISTS TO MEET EDUCATIONAL ANDCOMPETENCE REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED BY THE BOARD; BY AMENDING SECTION40-37-245, RELATING TO EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT,SO AS TO ALLOW EXAMINATION EQUIVALENTS AS DETERMINED BY THE BOARD; BY AMENDINGSECTION 40-37-290, RELATING TO THE PURCHASING, PRESCRIBING, AND ADMINISTERINGPHARMACEUTICAL AGENTS BY OPTOMETRISTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE REQUIREMENTS ANDLIMIT THE PERMISSIBLE USE OF SUCH MEDICATIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDINGSECTION 40-37-310, RELATING TO REFERRALS FOR TREATMENT OF EYE DISEASES, SO ASTO REMOVE PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA AND PROVISION OFSURGERY; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-37-330, RELATING TO USE OF OPTOMETRISTS'SERVICES AUTHORIZED FOR AGENCY AND SCHOOL-REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDEOPTOMETRISTS MAY PROVIDE VISION OR EYE CARE SERVICES AT A SCHOOL IF APPROVED BYTHE ADMINISTRATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-37-420,RELATING TO PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING CERTAIN LICENSEES, SO AS TO DELETETHE EXISTING PROVISIONS, TO PROVIDE PERSONS LICENSED AS OPTOMETRISTS IN THISSTATE MAY CONTINUE PRACTICING UNDER CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS EXCEPT THAT SUCHPERSONS LICENSED BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2013, MUST FULFILl CREDENTIALINGREQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM CERTAIN TREATMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-79-30,RELATING TO PROVISIONS LIMITING LIABILITY FOR VOLUNTEER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERSUNDER MEDICAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE LAWS, SO AS TO REMOVE A PROVISIONCONCERNING NOTICE REQUIREMENTS TO PATIENTS, AND TO INCLUDE OPTOMETRISTS AMONGTHE VOLUNTEERS INCLUDED IN THESE PROVISIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-30-310,RELATING TO IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY FOR FREE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, so as toinclude volunteer optometrists; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 40-37-300 RELATING TOESTABLISHING PHARMACIES OR SELLING PHARMACEUTICAL AGENTS, and DISPENSINGCONTACT LENSES.Be it enacted by theGeneral Assembly of the State of South Carolina:SECTION 1. Chapter 37, Title 40 of the S.C. Code is amended byadding:Section40-37-35. (A) The State Board of Examiners inOptometry may issue a restricted volunteer license to an optometrist who:(1)has held a license issued by the board or the corresponding license as alicensee in good standing in another state that is equivalent to a SouthCarolina license in regard to scope of practice, education, experience, andtraining as determined by the board;(2)has passed an examination as prescribed by the board;(3)has not failed the corresponding clinical examination of the state that issuedthe license within the past five years;(4)has not been the subject of disciplinary action in any jurisdiction; and(5)has at least five years of clinical practice in the field for which he isseeking the license.(B) Aperson holding a restricted volunteer license under this section:(1)only may practice in clinics prescribed by the board in regulation;(2)only may treat patients who have no insurance or who are not eligible forfinancial assistance for optometric services; and(3)may not receive remuneration directly or indirectly for providing optometricservices.(C) Anoptometrist with a restricted volunteer license issued under this sectionshall, every thirty days, review the cases of all patients he or she treatedduring the preceding thirty-day period with an optometrist who holds an activelicense issued by the South Carolina State Board of Examiners in Optometry.(D) Alicense issued under this section is valid for two years from the date of issueand must be maintained in accordance with continuing education requirements andprocedures established by the board in regulation. The license may be renewedpursuant to procedures established by the board in regulation.(E)(1) An optometrist who holds arestricted volunteer license issued pursuant to this section is subject to theprovisions of this chapter and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapterexcept as otherwise provided in this section.(2)An optometrist holding a volunteer license may not hold any other activelicense issued under this chapter and regulations promulgated pursuant to thischapter.(3)An optometrist holding a volunteer license may not be eligible for election tothe South Carolina Board of Examiners in Optometry.SECTION 2. Section 40-37-10(A) of the S.C. Code is amended toread:(A) There is created the South CarolinaBoard of Examiners in Optometry, which consists of seven members. Five membersmust be licensed optometrists appointed by the Governor upon nomination by alllicensed optometrists in this State through an election conducted by the board.The licensed optometrists eligible forelection must be in good standing with the South Carolina Board of Examiners inOptometry, must actively be engaged in the delivery of clinical care topatients in South Carolina, must possess proof of proficiency to engagein the full scope of practice of optometry as determined by the board, and must have been engaged in the practice ofoptometry for at least five years. The Governor may reject any orall of those nominated upon satisfactory showing of the unfitness of thoserejected. If the Governor declines to appoint any of the nominees submitted,additional nominees must be submitted in the same manner as the initialnominees. Vacancies must be filled in the manner of the original appointmentfor the unexpired portion of the term. Two members of the board must bemembers of the general public who do not derive their income or support fromany optical or opticalophthalmic-related business and who are not related toan optometrist or a person engaged in an opticalophthalmic-related business. The members from the generalpublic may be nominated by any individual, group, or association and must beappointed by the Governor in accordance with Chapter 1 of ,Title 40.SECTION 3. Section 40-37-20 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:Section40-37-20. As used in this chapter:(1)"Board" means the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Optometry;.(2) "Optometrist" means a person whopractices optometry. An optometrist is also known as an optometric physicianand a doctor of optometry.(3) "Practice of optometry" means theexamination, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders orconditions of the eye and its adjacent and associated structures and theirimpact on the human body provided by an optometrist within the scope of his orher education, training, and experience and in accordance with this chapter,the ethics of the profession, and applicable law. The practice of optometryalso includes the use of medically recognized and appropriate devices,procedures, and technologies used to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage thehealth and visual efficiency of the human eye and its adjacent and associatedstructures, including the defects of vision and powers necessary to correctthem in order to relieve conditions of the vision system, and ocularabnormalities, including diseases, disorders, and dystrophies. This includes,but is not limited to:(a) prescribing, selling, and adaptinglenses, contact lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses, prisms, and ocular devices;(b) employing vision therapy ororthoptics, sports vision therapy, neuro-optometric rehabilitation, and lowvision rehabilitation;(c) prescribing or using diagnostic andtherapeutic pharmaceutical agents delivered by any route of administration;(d) performing ophthalmic surgery, asauthorized in this section; and(e) performing in-office diagnostictesting or ordering appropriate diagnostic lab or imaging tests for conditionsthat may cause ocular abnormalities.(4) "Ophthalmic surgery" means aprocedure upon the human eye and adjacent and associated structures in which invivo tissue is injected, cut, burned, frozen, sutured, epilated, vaporized,coagulated, or photodisrupted by the use of surgical instrumentation such as,but not limited to, a scalpel, cryoprobe, laser, electric cautery, or ionizingradiation. Surgical procedures not involving the eye and its adjacent andassociated structures are not part of the practice of optometry. The practiceof optometry includes the correction and relief of ocular abnormalities byophthalmic surgical procedures, subject to the exclusions below. The followingprocedures are excluded from the scope of practice of optometry, except for thepreoperative and postoperative care in connection with these procedures:(a) retinal laser procedures;(b) penetrating keratoplasty or cornealtransplant of any kind;(c) injection into the vitreous of theeye to treat any macular or retinal disease;(d) the administration of general,regional, or MAC anesthesia;(e) LASIK;(f) corneal implants;(g) surgery related to removal of theeye from a living human being;(h) surgery requiring full thicknessincision or excision of the cornea or sclera;(i) surgery requiring incision of theiris and ciliary body, including iris diathermy or cryotherapy;(j) vitrectomy;(k) retinal surgery;(l) surgical extraction of theintraocular or crystalline lens;(m) surgical implantation of anintraocular lens;(n) incisional or excisional surgery ofthe extraocular muscles;(o) surgery of the eyelid for confirmedmalignancies or for incisional mechanical repair;(p) surgery of the bony orbit,including orbital implants;(q) incisional or excisional surgery ofthe lacrimal system; and(r) surgery requiring full thicknessconjunctivoplasty with graft or flap.(2)(5) "Contact lens" means any device placed in contact withthe eye for the purpose of correcting vision, therapy, medicinal delivery, or cosmetic alteration;.(6) "Vision therapy" means a sequenceof neurosensory and neuromuscular activities individually prescribed andmonitored by a doctor to develop, rehabilitate and enhance visual skills andprocessing based on the results of a comprehensive eye examination or consultation.The use of lenses, prisms, filters, occluders, specialized instruments, andcomputer programs is an integral part of vision therapy. Vision therapy is usedto treat ocular motility dysfunctions, non-strabismic binocular disorders,strabismus, amblyopia, accommodative disorders, visual information processingdisorders, and visual sequelae of acquired brain injury.(3)(7) "Direct supervision" means supervision provided by alicensed optometrist who must:(a)be present in the department or facility where the supervisee is performingservices;(b)be immediately available to assist the supervisee in the services beingperformed; and(c)maintain continued involvement in appropriate aspects of each treatment;.(4)(8) "Optical supplies" include, but are not limited to,contact lenses, ophthalmic lenses, ophthalmic frames, and low vision aids;.(5) "Basic certifiedoptometrist" means an optometrist without education or training in the use ofpharmaceutical agents and licensed to practice optometry without the use ofpharmaceutical agents;(6) "Diagnostic certifiedoptometrist" means an optometrist educated and trained in the use ofpharmaceutical agents for diagnostic purposes only and licensed to practiceoptometry in conjunction with the use of pharmaceutical agents for diagnosticpurposes only;(7) "Therapeutic certifiedoptometrist" means an optometrist educated and trained in the use ofpharmacological agents for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes and licensed topractice optometry with the use of pharmacological agents for diagnostic and therapeuticpurposes.(8)(9) "Operator" means thelicensed optometrist, optometric practice, or organization engaged in providingoptometric services directly or through persons authorized by law to providethe services.(10)"Vision screening" means a test or tests used forthe intent of detecting potential abnormalities of vision. Vision screeningsare also known as vision tests or eye tests. Vision screenings are notsynonymous with an eye exam as defined in Section 40-24-10. Vision screeningsdo not result in a diagnosis, treatment, prescription for medication, orprescription for any adapting lenses, contact lenses,spectacles, eyeglasses, prism, or ocular devices. Abnormal findingsresulting from a vision screening should result in a referral to a licensedoptometrist or a physician licensed pursuant to Chapter47, Title 40.(9)(11) "Community foundation" means an organization,lawfully organized and in good standing, that typically focuses on supporting ageographical area by addressing community needs and supporting localnonprofits.SECTION 4. Section 40-37-30(B) of the S.C. Code is amended toread:(B) A person is deemed to be practicingoptometry within the meaning of this chapter if the person:(1)displays a sign or in any way advertises as an optometrist;(2)employs any means for the measurement of the powers of vision or the adaptationof lenses for the aid of vision;(3)uses lenses in the testing of the eye in the sale of spectacles, eyeglasses, orlenses other than lenses actually sold;(4)examines the human eye by the employment of any subjective or objectivephysical means to ascertain the presence of defects or abnormal conditions forthe purpose of relieving them by the use of lenses, prisms, or other physicalor mechanical means;(5) assesses, diagnoses, treats, or prescribes treatment for conditionsof the visual system or manages a patient with vision therapy, visual training,visual rehabilitation, orthoptics or eye exercises or who holds himself out asbeing able to do so for the rehabilitation and/or treatment of physical,physiological, sensorimotor, neuromuscular or perceptual anomalies of the eyesor vision system or who prescribes or utilizes lenses, prisms, filters,occlusion or other devices for the enhancement, rehabilitation and/or treatmentof the visual system or prevention of visual dysfunctions, except under thesupervision and management of a licensed optometrist;(5)(6) practices orthoptics or prescribes contact lenses; or(6)(7) utilizes pharmaceutical agents for diagnostic and/ortherapeutic purposes in the practice of optometry in accordance with thischapter.SECTION 5. Section 40-37-40(A) of the S.C. Code is amended toread:(A) The board shall:(1)determine the eligibility of applicants for examination and licensure as optometrists;(2)prescribe the subjects, character, and manner of licensing examinations;(3)adopt a code of professional ethics appropriate to the profession of optometry;(4)evaluate and set criteria for continuing education course hours and programs;(5)conduct hearings on alleged violations by licensees of this chapter orregulations promulgated under this chapter;(6)discipline persons licensed under this chapter; and(7)promulgate regulations in accordance with the South Carolina AdministrativeProcedures Act; and(8) require that any licensedoptometrist licensed to practice pursuant to this chapter meets the educationaland competence criteria established by the board. Evidence of proof ofcompetency shall be determined by the board.SECTION 6. Section 40-37-245(3) of the S.C. Code is amended toread:(3) satisfactorily passed all requiredexaminations recognized or conducted by the board including, but not limitedto, the examination of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry or equivalent as determined by the Board of Examiners;SECTION 7. Section 40-37-290 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:Section40-37-290. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an optometrist maypurchase, possess, administer, supply, and prescribe, dispense, and sell pharmaceutical agents, including oral and topically applied medications otherthan Schedule I and II controlled substances as defined in Section 44-53-110except controlled substances that have been reclassified from Schedule III toSchedule II effective on or after October 6, 2014, may continue to bepurchased, possessed, administered, supplied, andprescribed, and dispensed by an optometrist, fordiagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the practice of optometry. An optometrist only may purchase, possess, administer,prescribe, dispense, and sell these medications for vision correction and thetreatment of ocular and ocular adnexal eye disease.,except that:(1) when prescribing oraland topically applied medications, an optometrist is limited to these oralpharmaceutical agents: antihistamines, antimicrobial, antiglaucoma,over-the-counter drugs, and analgesics for the treatment of ocular and ocularadnexal eye disease. An optometrist may only prescribe these medications forthe treatment of ocular and ocular adnexal eye disease;(2) when prescribingmedications for the treatment of ocular and ocular adnexal disease,documentation in the patient's chart and appropriate consultations andreferrals must be in accordance with the standard of care provided for inSection 40-37-310(E);(3) when prescribinganalgesics, the prescription must be limited to a seven-day supply;(4) when prescribingtopical steroids, if after twenty-one days of treatment it is necessary tocontinue this medication, the optometrist shall communicate and collaboratewith an ophthalmologist;(5) no medications may begiven by injection or intravenously.SECTION 8. Section 40-37-310 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:Section40-37-310. (A) In the diagnosis andtreatment of ocular and ocular adnexal eye disease, documentation in thepatient's chart and appropriate consultations and referrals must be in keepingwith the standards of care provided for in this section.(B)In the diagnosis or treatment of eye disease, an optometrist, using judgmentand that degree of skill, care, knowledge, and attention ordinarily possessedand exercised by optometrists in good standing under like circumstances, shallrefer a patient to an appropriate medical or osteopathic doctor including, butnot limited to, corneal, glaucoma, or retinal ophthalmological specialists whenadditional evaluation or treatment is necessary. However, an optometrist mayrefer a patient to another optometrist when additional evaluation or treatmentis necessary or to a medical or osteopathic doctor as provided for in thissection, and an optometrist may refer a patient to another optometrist for thepurpose of fitting or dispensing eye glasses, contact lenses, or low visionaids. The South Carolina Board of Examiners in Optometry shall promulgateregulations for the maintenance of records of referrals by optometrists inaccordance with this section.(C) Notwithstandingsubsection (B), in treating and managing glaucoma an optometrist must strive toachieve a stable range of intraocular pressures considered unlikely to causefurther optic nerve damage in that patient. Once this range of pressures isselected based on conditions presented by the patient, the optometrist mustenter this range in the patient's chart. If no measurable progress isachieved in realizing the selected range of pressures within sixty days ofinitiating treatment, the optometrist shall refer the patient to anophthalmologist. However, when treating acute angle closure glaucoma, anoptometrist immediately shall initiate treatment, after which, the optometristshall make an appropriate referral to an ophthalmologist.(D)(C) An optometrist may performophthalmic surgery, as defined in this chapter.isprohibited from performing surgery. For purposes of this section surgeryincludes, but is not limited to, an invasive procedure using instruments thatrequire closure by suturing, clamping, or other similar devices or a procedurein which the presence or assistance of a nurse anesthetist or ananesthesiologist is required. An optometrist is also prohibited fromperforming laser surgery. However, nothing in this section or any otherprovision of law may be construed to prohibit an optometrist from removingsuperficial ocular and ocular adnexal foreign bodies; removal of other foreignbodies must be referred to an ophthalmologist.(E)(D) An optometrist must be held to the same standard ofcare as persons licensed under Chapter 47, Title 40, Physicians, Surgeons, andOsteopaths, and shall maintain a minimum of one million dollars in malpracticeinsurance coverage.SECTION 9. Section 40-37-330 of the S.C. Code is amended byadding:(F) Nothing in this section mayprohibit an optometrist from providing vision or eye care services at a schoolso long as approved by the individual school administration.SECTION 10. Section 40-37-420 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:Section40-37-420. (A) An optometrist licensed for basic practice of optometry as ofJuly 1, 2005, may continue to practice under the conditions provided for inthis section, and regulations promulgated under this chapter, as of July 1,2005, until September 30, 2008. A basic certified optometrist may:(1) employ any means,other than the use of drugs, for the measurement of the powers of vision or theadaptation of lenses for the aid of vision;(2) in the sale ofspectacles, eyeglasses, or lenses, use lenses in the testing of the eyetherefor other than lenses actually sold;(3) examine the humaneye by the employment of any subjective or objective physical means, withoutthe use of drugs, to ascertain the presence of defects or abnormal conditionsfor the purpose of relieving them by the use of lenses, prisms, or other physicalor mechanical means;(4) practice orthopticsor prescribe or fit contact lenses;(B)(1) An optometristlicensed for diagnostic practice of optometry as of July 1, 2005, may continueto practice under the conditions provided for in this section, and regulationspromulgated under this chapter, as of July 1, 2005, until September 30, 2008,if the optometrist has:(a) complied withthe educational requirements promulgated by the board; and(b) passed apharmaceutical agent examination which must be approved by the board.(2) Notwithstanding anyother provision of law, a diagnostically certified optometrist may purchase,possess, and administer pharmaceutical agents including pharmaceutical agentsfor topical application, other than controlled substances as defined in Section44-53-110, for diagnostic purposes in the practice of optometry. For thepurposes of this subsection, "pharmaceutical agent" means: anesthetics,mydriatics, cycloplegics, miotics, dyes, and over-the-counter drugs. Mioticsmay be used only pursuant to the following restrictions:(a) miotics may notbe used for treatment purposes;(b) miotics may beused only for emergency purposes involving the buildup of pressure within theeyeball and immediately upon this emergency use, the optometrist shall referthe patient to an ophthalmologist and file with the South Carolina Board ofExaminers in Optometry a written report of the incident in the mannerprescribed by the board by regulation; and the South Carolina Board ofExaminers in Optometry shall ensure that the quality and quantity of mioticspossessed by a diagnostically certified optometrist is consistent with the useof miotics only for emergency purposes involving the buildup of pressure withinthe eyeball.(C) After September 30,2008, no person may practice as an optometrist in this State if the person hasnot met all requirements of this chapter in effect at that time and as may beamended in the future. A basic and diagnostically licensed optometrist whowishes to be recertified after September 30, 2008, shall conform to thelicensing requirements for a therapeutically-certified optometrist as providedfor in regulation.(D)A licensee under this chapter must indicate his or her category of licensurefollowing his or her name or signature on all professional documents.An optometrist licensed to practice optometry prior to January1, 2026, may continue to practice under the condition provided for in thissection, and regulations promulgated under this chapter. However, anoptometrist licensed to practice optometry prior to January 1, 2013, whoprovides correction and relief of ocular abnormalities by surgical proceduresinvolving surgical adnexa and laser procedures in accordance with this chapterand section 40-37-20 shall fulfill credentialing requirements as established bythe board.SECTION 11. Section 38-79-30(C) of the S.C. Code is amended toread:(C) For purposes of this section, a health care healthcare providerincludes a dentist maintaining a restricted volunteer license pursuant toSection 40-15-177, a practitioner maintaining a special volunteer licensepursuant to Section 40-47-34, an optometrist who maintainsa special volunteer license pursuant to Section 40-37-35, and achiropractor maintaining a special volunteer license pursuant to Section40-9-85.SECTION 12. Section 44-30-310 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:Section44-30-310. If a health care provider, licensed pursuant tothe laws of this State, informs his or her patient in writing, which mayinclude use of an electronic medical record device, before treatment that thetreatment to be rendered by the health carehealthcare provider will be provided free of charge, the health carehealthcareprovider is not liable for any civil damages for any personal injury as aresult of any act or omission by the health carehealthcare provider rendering treatment free of charge orfailure to act to provide or arrange for further treatment, except acts oromission amounting to gross negligence or wilful or wanton misconduct. Forpurposes of this section, a health carehealthcare provider includes a dentist maintaining arestricted volunteer license pursuant to Section 40-15-177, a practitionermaintaining a special volunteer license pursuant to Section 40-47-34, an optometrist who maintains a special volunteer licensepursuant to Section 40-37-35, and a chiropractor maintaining a specialvolunteer license pursuant to Section 40-9-85.SECTION 13. Section40-37-300 of the S.C. Code is repealed.SECTION 14. This act takes effect uponapproval by the Governor.----XX----This web page was last updated on June 04, 2025 at 03:17 PM
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 40-37-35 So As To Provide The State Board Of Examiners In Optometry May Issue Restricted Volunteer Member Licenses To Optometrists From Other States Who Meet Certain Criteria, And To Provide Requirements For The Supervision, Duration, And Regulation Of Such Licenses, Among Other Things; By Amending Section 40-37-10, Relating To Membership Requirements For The South Carolina Board Of Examiners In Optometry, So As To Provide Additional Membership Requirements; By Amending Section 40-37-20, Relating To Definitions Concerning The Regulation Of Optometrists, So As To Revise The Definitions; By Amending Section 40-37-30, Relating To Licensing Requirements For The Practice Of Optometry, So As To Provide Additional Activities That Constitute The Practice Of Optometry; By Amending Section 40-37-40, Relating To Powers And Duties Of The Board, So As To Provide The Board Shall Require Licensed Optometrists To Meet Educational And Competence Requirements Established By The Board; By Amending Section 40-37-245, Relating To Examination Requirements For Licensure By Endorsement, So As To Allow Examination Equivalents As Determined By The Board; By Amending Section 40-37-290, Relating To The Purchasing, Prescribing, And Administering Pharmaceutical Agents By Optometrists, So As To Revise The Requirements And Limit The Permissible Use Of Such Medications, Among Other Things; By Amending Section 40-37-310, Relating To Referrals For Treatment Of Eye Diseases, So As To Remove Provisions Concerning The Treatment Of Glaucoma And Provision Of Surgery; By Amending Section 40-37-330, Relating To Use Of Optometrists' Services Authorized For Agency And School-required Examinations, So As To Provide Optometrists May Provide Vision Or Eye Care Services At A School If Approved By The Administration Of The Individual School; By Amending Section 40-37-420, Relating To Practice Requirements Concerning Certain Licensees, So As To Delete The Existing Provisions, To Provide Persons Licensed As Optometrists In This State May Continue Practicing Under Certain Requirements Except That Such Persons Licensed Before January 1, 2013, Must Fulfill Credentialing Requirements To Perform Certain Treatments; By Amending Section 38-79-30, Relating To Provisions Limiting Liability For Volunteer Healthcare Providers Under Medical Malpractice Insurance Laws, So As To Remove A Provision Concerning Notice Requirements To Patients, And To Include Optometrists Among The Volunteers Included In These Provisions; By Amending Section 44-30-310, Relating To Immunity From Liability For Free Healthcare Services, So As To Include Volunteer Optometrists; And By Repealing Section 40-37-300 Relating To Establishing Pharmacies Or Selling Pharmaceutical Agents, And Dispensing Contact Lenses.
Sponsors
Sen. Jason Elliott (R) sponsors S 393, and 15 members have co-sponsored it.

Sen. · R–6 · Sponsor

Sen. · D–26 · Co-sponsor

Sen. · R–27 · Co-sponsor

Sen. · R–29 · Co-sponsor

Sen. · R–18 · Co-sponsor

Sen. · R–4 · Co-sponsor

Sen. · R–28 · Co-sponsor

Sen. · R–12 · Co-sponsor

Sen. · D–20 · Co-sponsor

Sen. · D–30 · Co-sponsor
Committees
S 393 went before 1 committee: Medical Affairs.
History
S 393 has taken 3 actions since Feb 26, 2025, the latest on Jun 4, 2025.
| Chamber | Action | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun 4, 2025 | — | Scrivener's error corrected | ||
Feb 26, 2025 | Senate | Introduced and read first time | ||
Feb 26, 2025 | Senate | Referred to Committee on Medical Affairs |
Votes
S 393 has not gone to a roll call.
Source: scstatehouse.gov · legiscan.com