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.
Primary source
American Optometric AssociationFQHC Talent. (2022, January 1). CA AB 407 (2021) Massively Expanded Optometry Scope — Anterior Segment Treatment, Oral Rx, Immunizations Including COVID Vaccines. Primary source: American Optometric Association. Retrieved June 15, 2026, from https://www.fqhctalent.com/intel/ca-ab-407-optometry-scope-expansion-2022
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