Governor's Veto Sends Strong Message

GOVERNOR REJECTS EXPANDED SCOPE OF PRACTICE FOR OPTOMETRISTS (HB 349).

Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte affirmed the critical role of New Hampshire ophthalmologists and underscored the importance of rigorous education, specialized training, and clinical expertise in ensuring the highest standard of patient care across the state. The New Hampshire Medical Society thanks Governor Ayotte for her commitment to high-quality healthcare for all Granite Staters. We also recognize the vital work of New Hampshire ophthalmologists in delivering innovative medical solutions and expanding access to care, particularly in rural communities.

The Governor’s veto statement for HB 349 is below (Press Release: 3/27/2026):

“Access to quality and affordable healthcare is necessary and essential to our quality of life here in New Hampshire. Just as important is ensuring that Granite Staters receive care delivered by medical professionals trained to perform the full range of procedures that may be required for serious surgeries.

“Authorizing non-physician providers to perform eye surgeries has the potential to create unnecessary risks for patients, particularly if additional surgical intervention is necessary. This is no criticism of our eye care professionals, as optometrists are essential care providers for eye exams, lenses, and non-surgical care. The reality is that ophthalmologists, who complete a minimum three-year residency after medical school, receive far greater supervised clinical and surgical training than optometrists. Laser eye surgeries are not minor procedures. Complications or failure of such procedures can lead to permanent vision loss. Even if most of these procedures go as planned, complications can require the full spectrum of surgical skills and training that only ophthalmologists as physicians possess. 

“There have been successful efforts, such as expansion of care in Berlin, to increase access to care in rural parts of our state. We can and should strive to expand access and availability without reducing the safety threshold of the care provided to patients.

“HB 349 would increase the level of risk to patients by permitting eye surgeries by non-physician practitioners.  In order to preserve a high level of safety, eye surgeries should be performed by physicians. As such, I am vetoing this bill.”