CA AB 407 (2021) Massively Expanded Optometry Scope — Anterior Segment Treatment, Oral Rx, Immunizations Including COVID Vaccines

AB 407 (Salas, signed 2021, effective Jan 1, 2022) significantly expanded California optometry scope. Authorized: treatment of all non-cancerous anterior-segment conditions; topical and oral non-controlled, non-glaucoma prescriptions; immunizations after immunization certification (flu, herpes zoster, pneumococcus, SARS-CoV-2); intense pulsed light, low-level light, intranasal stimulator, intracanalicular stents; assistants may perform subjective refraction (no Rx authority). Companion bill AB 691 made COVID-19 vaccinations and clinical lab testing permanent. CA optometrists now have one of the broadest non-surgical OD scopes nationally — but laser/surgical scope remains off-limits after AB 2236 was VETOED by Gov. Newsom in Sept 2022 (3-year residency requirement cited). For FQHCs: ODs can deliver more services per encounter, immunizations expand population health revenue, anterior segment scope reduces ophthalmology referrals.