The AMA is applauding New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for safeguarding the vision of patients by recently vetoing legislation that would have allowed optometrists to perform a wide range of complex surgical procedures.

In her veto message, Lujan Grisham reiterated concerns raised by the AMA and other physician organizations, stating: “I am vetoing this bill because it sets a dangerous precedent for allowing nonsurgeons to perform surgical procedures.”

The governor’s message says “there is no persuasive evidence that this bill would increase access to care. Data shows that expansion of laser authority for optometrists has not resulted in a statistically significant increase in access to these procedures for patients.”

My latest for the AMA. Read the whole shebang.