By Todd Hatton
Murray, KY – Optometrists could soon perform eye surgeries in Kentucky. The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee approved proposed regulations Tuesday allowing optometrists to do some of the surgeries now reserved for ophthalmologists. That approval came despite the Kentucky Medical Association's efforts to derail the controversial move. The proposed regulations still need approval of a full legislative committee and the governor. Physicians say the regulations would allow optometrists to do surgeries after 32 hours of training, rather than the 17,000 hours required of ophthalmologists.