Optometric Physicians applaud passage of new optometry laws

Optometric Physicians Thank Governor, Legislature for Passage of New Optometry Laws

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma optometrists [Tuesday] thanked the Legislature and Governor Kevin Stitt for passing and signing legislation that will protect Oklahoma’s vision health standards while increasing convenience for consumers.

Senate Bill 100, authored by State Representative Carl Newton, himself an optometrist, removes from statute a prohibition on the sale of eyewear in non-medical, retail settings. It would allow retail stores to sell frames and lenses. It would also allow retail stores to lease space to optometrists. However, unlike previous proposals (including the previously rejected State Question 793), SB 100 contains vigorous protections for patient safety, quality of care, and the independence of the doctor.

Under SB 100, any optometry clinic leasing space from a retail store would need to be a separate legal entity owned and operated by an optometric physician licensed in Oklahoma. That optometrist cannot be an employee of the retail entity. Furthermore, the optometry clinic would be required to be physically separate from the retail space, with its own external entrance. The language maintains Oklahoma’s status as one of 16 so-called “two door” states, which include neighboring Texas and Kansas.

Also unlike State Question 793, SB 100 clarifies that the independently operating Board of Examiners in Optometry regulates optometrists’ scope-of- practice, and that a corporate entity cannot restrict or influence how a doctor practices.

Dr. Selina McGee, an Edmond optometrist and president of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians, said the bill is a positive development for optometric physicians and their patients.

“Our primary concern as eye doctors is protecting Oklahoma’s very high standards for quality of care and patient safety,” said Dr. McGee. “To preserve those high standards, optometrists need to be operating independently, free of corporate control or interference, and governed by a medical board. SB 100 is consistent with those principles, where State Question 793 and other previous proposals were not.”

More on SB 100:

SB 100 stipulates:

• That retail outlets may sell frames and lenses;
• That retail outlets may begin to lease space to optometric physicians in a phased-in, gradual manner with a timeline based on population density;
• That the doctor may not be an employee of the retail outlet;
• That the doctor will not receive any additional compensation for referring patients to the retail stores’ optical services;
• That the care given to the patient be the main concern of the optometric physician, or other physician providing vision care;
• That the doctor’s office be separate from the retail outlet’s optical shop; and
• That the current laws be followed in giving a patient a prescription for glasses or contact lenses.

SB 100 also:

• Defines the responsibility of the doctor to his patients;
• Sets out penalties for infraction of the law;
• Includes language disallowing the retailer to sell below costs; and
• Adds new language that puts into law requirements for a contact lens prescription and requirements for the renewal of contact lens prescriptions by persons other than the prescribing doctor.

Optometrists Endorse Legislation to Increase Access to Frames and Lenses

Optometrists Endorse Legislation to Increase Access to Frames and Lenses

Bill Also Maintains High Standards of Care and Patient Protections

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP) today announced their support for Senate Bill 100, as amended by Rep. Carl Newton, which would allow easier access to frames and lenses while still preserving the state’s high standards for quality vision care and patient protections. The new language was introduced as a committee substitute late Wednesday (4/9).

SB 100 removes from statute a prohibition on the sale of eyewear in non-medical, retail settings. It would allow big retail stores to sell frames and lenses. The bill also uses language modeled from Texas law that would allow large retailers to lease office space to optometric physicians. However, any optometry clinic within such a leased space would be required to be owned and operated by an optometric physician licensed in Oklahoma. An optometry clinic within a space leased by a retailer would need to physically and legally separate from the retail space, with its own external entrance. The language maintains Oklahoma’s status as one of 16 so-called “two door” states, which include neighboring Texas and Kansas.

The bill also includes new patient protections and regulations governing the use of online eye-exams performed at automated kiosks.

OAOP Executive Director Joel Robison said that optometrists have been working with lawmakers on legislation to increase access to eyewear since State Question 793 was defeated last November (State Question 793 proposed amending the State Constitution to make Oklahoma a “one door” state and to give corporate retailers unprecedented control over the delivery of eyecare). Oklahoma’s optometrists opposed the bill because of its impact on quality care, not because of concerns about where glasses or contacts are sold, Robison said.

“State Question 793 was defeated because voters agreed with their optometrists that vision care needs to be regulated by doctors, not large retailers,” said Robison. “We won’t ever compromise on high standards of care, patient protections or quality medicine.”

“At the same time, we also recognize that the law can be updated to improve patient convenience,” Robison continued. “Allowing large retailers to sell frames and lenses achieves that goal without compromising the integrity of the medical profession.”

Rep. Newton, who is also a practicing Doctor of Optometry, says the bill offers a chance to resolve an issue and move the state forward.

“It is hard to attract and retain quality vision care professionals in a regulatory and political environment that is defined by uncertainty,” said Newton. “This bill puts that issue to rest. Consumers will have more options regarding where they buy glasses and contacts. At the same time, eye doctors can rest easy knowing that they aren’t one step away from being controlled or regulated by a retail store. This is a win-win proposition for Oklahoma.”

SB 100 would preserve Oklahoma's status as a two-door state.

Steve Fair and Georgia Williams on the State Questions, Judicial Retention races

Steve Fair and Georgia Williams on the State Questions and Judicial Retention races

This is Georgia Williams and Steve Fair’s twenty second year of providing analysis of the State Questions, the Justices and Judges on the Oklahoma general election ballot. Georgia Williams and Steve Fair hosted The Grapevine, a popular political radio talk show for five years. They are knowledgeable and thorough in their research. They evaluate each proposal and person. They provide commentary on the state questions and a profile of the justices/judges. They give their recommendations on how to vote on each SQ and judge. While Steve and Georgia are both active in the Republican Party, their views do not necessarily reflect the views of the Party. To contact them, email okgop@aol.com or jorjaw@sbcglobal.net.

State Questions on Your Ballot

State Question 793 - Right of Optometrists and Opticians to 

Practice in a Retail Mercantile Establishment 

(language text and info)

Steve: YES: # 793 is an Initiative petition. If passed, this would likely result in big box retailers going into the eyeglass business, like they have in other states, lowering the cost of eyewear. Opponents of #793 maintain that Optometrists are local health care professionals who do more than prescribe eyewear and Oklahomans will regret turning their eye care health over to discounters. They cite the loss of local merchants due to the growth of big box retailers. Oklahomans are paying more for eyewear than consumers in other states and that is because optometrists and opticians can’t set up shop in a retail store. Local independent Optometrists should have combated the big box retailers by forging a united alliance and providing competitive pricing for the consumer by purchasing together. Their failure to do that has given the big box retailers an advantage in their industry.

Georgia: YES: #793 is an Initiative petition. I agree with Steve on this SQ. While it is true this will hurt the local Optometrists, it will benefit those who buy glasses and contacts in Oklahoma. I know many people who travel out of state to get their glasses and it is because of the restriction of not allowing glasses to be sold in retail outlets.

State Question 794 - Crime victim’s rights
(language text and info)

Steve: YES: #794 is a legislative referendum. This is a version of Marsy’s Law, which grants victims of crimes, and their families certain rights. Marsalee (Marsy) Nicholas was stalked and murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Released on bail before the trial began, Marsy’s killer sought out and confronted Marsy’s mother and brother, who had no idea he had been released. The brother has made it his life’s work to get rights for victims of crime. It is law in five states and five states are voting on a version of it in November. If passed, #794 would give victims and their families the right to be notified about and present at proceedings, the right to be heard at proceedings involving release, plea, sentencing, disposition, or parole of the accused, the right to have the safety of the victim and victim’s family considered when making bail or release decisions, the right to be protected from the accused, the right to be notified about release or escape of the accused, etc. A similar law was struck down in Montana because the judiciary has ruled it violated the rights of the accused. Expect it to be challenged in Oklahoma, but #794 is a good idea and should be passed.

Georgia: YES: #794 is a legislative referendum. I agree with Steve. Victims of crime and their families should be notified about parole hearings, sentencing, and releases of the person who victimized them. It may be challenged, but I would be hopeful the judiciary would be as sensitive to the victims of crimes as they are to those who commit them.

State Question 798 - Joint nomination and election

(language text and info)

Steve: YES: #798 is a legislative referendum. Currently, 25 states elect a lieutenant governor on a ticket with the governor, while 18 states, including Oklahoma, elect a lieutenant governor separately. Five states do not have the office of Lt. Governor. By having the two run on the same ticket, it would eliminate the possibility of a Lt. Governor from a political Party different than the Governor ascending to the top job. By their running together, it would also be more likely they would work closer together than if they ran separately and the job of Lt. Governor could be expanded. If passed, #798 would not go into effect until 2026 and therefore would not affect the current Lt. Governor, since Oklahoma has term limits for statewide offices. The Lt. Governor can only serve 8 years (2 terms).

Georgia: NO: #798 is a legislative referendum. I need more information on the nuts and bolts of this ‘new’ process. While the president and vice presi- dent run on the same ticket at the national level, it’s unclear how the process will actually work. Since the legislature is given the authority to ‘establish procedures’ for the joint nomination, it’s not clear how this will work. I have little confidence in the legislature doing this in a way to benefit Oklahomans

State Question 800 - The Vision Fund

(language text and info)

Steve: YES: #800 is a legislative referendum. If approved, SQ#800 would create a trust fund for oil & gas production tax revenue. Beginning July 1, 2020, 5 percent of the state’s oil and gas production tax revenue would be deposited into the fund. The deposit would increase by 0.2 percent each year. Four percent of the fund’s principal would be transferred yearly into the general revenue fund. The Oklahoma State Treasurer would be able to invest the money in higher return funds, unlike the current State Rainy Day Fund, which has restrictions on how the money can be invested. #800 would create a fund similar to what Texas has for their oil/gas tax revenue. It is a good first step in removing the peaks and valleys Oklahoma typically experiences in state revenue due to the volatility of the oil and gas industry.

Georgia: NO: #800 is a legislative referendum. I have trouble with #800, because when we take a percentage of state revenue and put it into a trust fund to prop up government in down years, we grow government. We already have a Rainy Day fund, which the legislature raids every year. I don’t see the need to have a second contingency fund.

State Question 801 - Ad valorem usage authorization

(language text and info)

Steve: YES: #801 is a legislative referendum. SQ#801 would amend the state constitution and allow local voter approved property tax (ad valorem) to be used to fund school district operations (teacher salaries, support staff). Currently that is prohibited. While #801 does allow for more local control, some critics say if it passes buildings and maintenance of buildings and equipment will suffer. Others say it will create inequity within Oklahoma education, whereby some districts will pay their teachers much more than others can afford. Neither of those arguments is without merit, but passing #801 provides more flexibility and local control to the local school board and that is much needed. The key will be to hold the local school boards accountable on how they spend the money.

Georgia: YES: #801 is a legislative referendum. I agree with Steve. My concern is that some school districts could neglect their buildings, but I believe local school patrons will hold them accountable if they fail to keep up the facilities. I would hope this would increase the money that gets ‘to the classroom,’ and doesn’t just pad the local school superintendent’s salary.

Oklahoma’s Retention Ballot System

Why are Supreme Court justices, The Court of Criminal Appeals judges and the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals judges on the ballot this year?
Oklahoma Supreme Court justices and the judges of the two other appellate courts are on the ballot in nonpartisan elections every six years so voters can determine whether they should stay in office. This regular vote is called “merit retention.” This year, four Supreme Court justices (out of nine), four Court of Criminal Appeals judges (out of five) and four Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals judges (out of twelve) have merit retention elections.

What do “Yes” and “No” votes mean?
A “Yes” vote means you want the justice or judge to stay in office. A “No” vote means you want the justice or judge to be removed from office. The majority of voters decides.

How did Oklahoma decide to use the merit retention election system?
In 1967 Oklahoma’s voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment requiring that the merit retention system be used for all appelate judges. This vote came after the public became concerned about abuses that occurred because of the earlier system of contested elections.

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Edmondson: vote NO          Karger: vote NO          Gurich: vote NO

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Wyrick: vote YES          Lewis: vote NO          Kuehn: vote YES

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Rowland: vote YES          Goree: vote YES          Swinton: vote YES

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Buettner: vote YES          Bell: vote NO          Mitchell: vote YES

'Yes on 793' blasts opposition's fear-mongering ad

In the latest in State Question 793's battle over access to eyecare in retail establishments, the 'Yes' side responds to a, quite frankly, absurd ad from the 'No' side.

Statement From YES ON 793 Campaign

In the recent TV ad by the special interest No on 793 campaign, pushing to preserve their one-sided deal that drives up eye care costs, they are claiming you will have a better chance of not having cancer detected by an optometrist in a retail setting if 793 passes– That is simply NOT TRUE. An optometrist in a retail setting has the same licenses and oversight as one in a traditional setting. The ad is False, Misleading and Unethical to the thousands of optometrists across the country, 47 states in fact, who choose to practice in retail settings.

IN FACT:
Dr. Allison Brewer, a Walmart located optometrist, went to school at Northeastern State in Tahlequah, but didn't have the same opportunity to stay in Oklahoma after graduation. Dr. Brewer was featured in the September 2018 Women in Optometry issue (click on link to see page 25 - featuring Dr. Brewer), which is a national publication focused on women in all practice models. Optometrists in retail settings are the same professionals you see in traditional settings. The misguided rhetoric from the "no" side is now contradicting a respected industry publication and making false claims about optometrists who practice in retail settings.

The NO campaign should retract their ad. It is not true. 

On quality of care, Dr. Brewer notes she has patients with vision issues on a regular basis that might be indicators of other health issues, and in the instance of the article, determined it might be MS. Dr. Brewer’s story directly counters the NO campaign claims that the patient wouldn’t have received the same level of care in a retail environment.

The No campaign continues to spread lies and misinformation and using the innuendo this will affect the detection of eye cancer is shameful.

'No on 793' airs ad with absurd claim that passage would kill

File this under Ridiculous and Overblown Political Statements. This press release and related television ad is one of those most hyperbolic arguments I've ever seen in politics.

Oklahoma Cancer Survivor: "If SQ 793 Had Been in Place, I Might Not Be Here"

A cancer patient whose life was saved by her optometrist is sharing her story and, in a new statewide television ad, speaking out about how State Question 793 would hurt patients like her. “In 2014, my optometrist saved my life when an eye exam became a cancer diagnosis. … If 793 had been in place, I might not be here today,” says Shawn Miahara, an Oklahoman diagnosed with lymphoma.

In 2014, Shawn consulted Dr. Jason Ellen, a Tulsa optometrist, about puffiness in her eye combined with splitting headaches. After conducting initial tests, Dr. Ellen helped guide her through a series of specialist visits until her cancer was diagnosed and she began treatment. Today Shawn is cancer free.

SQ 793 takes medical care and medical decisions out of the hands of doctors and would allow corporations like Walmart to control how their doctors practice. Patients like Shawn feel that the emphasis on glasses sales, quotas, and limits on the kinds of tests and treatments doctors can pursue will reduce the quality of care, hurt patients and ultimately cost lives. A doctor with a reduced scope of practice might never have done the kind of tests that helped save Shawn's life.

Watch the ad here:



UPDATE: see the response from 'Yes on 793' here.

Perspective: Against SQ793

Over the next few days I hope to post some views in support and in opposition of different state questions that are on the ballot. Today, I have a column from both sides of SQ 793.

Posted earlier was a column from the Yes side. Now, we'll hear from the No side.

Optometry is a Rare Bright Spot in Rural Oklahoma Health Care … and It is Under Attack from Walmart

By Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians Executive Director Joel Robison

Oklahoma, and particularly rural Oklahoma, has major challenges when it comes to healthcare. The United Health Foundation ranks Oklahoma as the sixth least healthy state in the nation.

One of the main drivers of that poor health, cited in that UHF report, is the limited availability of doctors in our state. In fact, 64 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties are currently classified as areas with a shortage of primary care physicians. That means that many Oklahomans, especially those outside of our major metropolitan areas, are forced to drive long distances for routine checkups. Many simply choose not to, letting whatever ailments or health problems they have fester and grow worse.

None of this is breaking news; the state’s troubling lack of rural health care has been well-publicized. What many people are less familiar with, however, is the happy and glaring exception to this rule for optometry and vision health.

Hollywood may consider us “flyover country,” but the best and brightest optometric physicians have for years considered Oklahoma to be a destination state for vision care. As a result, we are home to hundreds of optometric physicians with offices in almost all of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, meaning patients rarely must travel long distances for world-class care. In Muskogee alone, there are at least 16 practicing optometrists.

Optometrists come to Oklahoma because we have the broadest scope of practice in the nation, and laws designed to put patients first. They are trained to perform procedures that are only administered by ophthalmologists in other states. Our optometrists diagnose and manage many types of eye conditions and diseases, including bacterial and viral eye infections, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataract as well as refractive conditions like myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. 

Before 1971, when Oklahoma’s modern optometry laws were put into place, optometrists had a much more limited scope of practice and many worked helping to sell frames and lenses at large retailers and jewelry stores.

A concerted effort was made to elevate the practice in two ways: first, by dramatically expanding scope of practice to emphasize medical care over sales; second, by establishing a much higher bar for quality of care, overseen by the State Board of Examiners in Optometry.

Finally, optometrists removed themselves from retail establishments like Walmart, where the pressure to assist in non-medical sales could corrupt the integrity of their medical practice and damage the doctor/patient relationship.

Today, Walmart wants to undo that progress by asking voters to pass State Question 793 in November. Not only would this initiative put optometric physicians back in the Walmarts of the world, it has also been deliberately crafted to give those corporate entities almost total control over their doctors.

For example: an independently practicing optometric physician is required by the Board of Examiners in Optometry to diagnose and manage conditions like glaucoma, which can eventually cause blindness. If SQ 793 were to pass, a Walmart optometrist in Oklahoma could be contractually obligated to discard every part of their medical training that does not lead to maximal sales of frames and lenses. While such a practice would be obviously and directly harmful to patients (whose glaucoma would now go untreated and continue to degrade their vision), the medical community would be powerless to object because SQ 793 was crafted as a constitutional amendment that overrules all other conflicting statutes.

State Question 793 is being marketed by its supporters as a free market proposition; in reality, it is a corporate takeover of a medical profession.

As a lifelong conservative, I support market competition, as do the doctors our association represents. After all, they compete for business with each other every day. However, I believe that all voters – regardless of their ideology or their immediate need for vision care – should be disturbed by this attempt to change the state’s constitution to benefit large corporations at the expense of good health care and patient safety. 

Our state and our Constitution are not for sale. Let’s remind Walmart of that on November 6 by voting no on SQ 793.

Perspective: For SQ793

Over the next few days I hope to post some views in support and in opposition of different state questions that are on the ballot. Today, I will have one column from both sides of SQ 793.

Up first will be the Yes side. The No side will post around noon (at this link).

Oklahoma Kids Deserve Improved Eye Care 

By Jim Helm

One often overlooked factor in a student’s success is having access to necessary eye care so they are able to read whiteboards and concentrate in the classroom. But because of Oklahoma’s outdated optical laws, many students have trouble getting the glasses or contacts they need to participate and excel in the classroom, and in sports and other activities.

That is why supporting State Question 793, a November ballot initiative that would allow licensed optometrists to practice in retail settings, is crucial for ensuring Oklahoma families, seniors and children have access to convenient, affordable and quality vision care. 

Proper vision care is essential to helping school-aged Oklahoma children succeed in school, especially for younger learners. Uncorrected eyesight problems can create significant difficulty with everything from learning to read to understanding math. As a result, if we want to ensure young Oklahomans’ educational success, a basic step is making sure they have access to quality eye care. 

Unfortunately, Oklahoma remains one of only three states where eye care is restricted only to optometrists’ offices, which can be few and far between in some of parts of the state. Some will travel to other states such as Kansas, Texas or Arkansas to receive more affordable options. It can sometimes require lengthy drives — sometimes hours long — just to reach an eye care facility. But most economically challenged parents will not make such a drive, and it's their child who "pays the price." Lost education opportunities mean less vocational options. The problem can become generational.

Having taught in three Oklahoma school districts, I have seen students struggle simply because they have uncorrected vision problems. It came as no surprise when the National Rural Health Association called these unmet vision care needs a “growing crisis” — and one that is hitting our state’s children the hardest.

State Question 793 will give voters a chance to address this crisis by giving Oklahoma families the freedom to receive eye exams or purchase eyewear at nearby retail locations. Supporting State Question 793 will extend a crucial lifeline to families and help boost the academic success of our students. Instead of making a long drive to an optometrist’s office, parents could take their child to the nearest Target or Walmart.

There is a reason why 47 other states allow qualified optometrists to practice in retail locations. This modern, common-sense system provides meaningful savings for families on tight budgets by offering more affordable eye exams and eyewear. In fact, families shopping at retail locations saved an average of nearly $200 according to a Consumer Reports survey — giving them more resources to put toward books and school supplies.

With the help of all Oklahomans on Election Day, we can provide our students with better access to the eye care they need to perform their best in school. Our kids will be the winners!

Jim Helm

Retired Public School Teacher

Tulsa, OK

Coming tomorrow: opposing views on SQ793

Tomorrow, I will be posting two columns with opposing perspectives on State Question 793. Brought to the ballot by initiative petition, this constitutional amendment would allow optometrists and opticians to operate in retail establishments (such as Walmart). It is by far the most contested of the five state questions on the ballot this year.

I hope to have some additional viewpoints on the other state questions as well, so stay tuned for updates as we approach election day. You can view more posts on the state questions, including SQ793, at this link.

AFP-OK publishes 2018 State Question Ballot Guide

AFP-OK Announces 2018 State Question Ballot Guide 

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) today announced the launch of its “2018 State Question Ballot Guide” to provide Oklahomans the opportunity to compare the pros and cons of the questions appearing on November’s ballot.

“As an organization dedicated to educating fellow Oklahomans on policy, Americans for Prosperity is excited to announce the launch of a new tool for voters in weighing the important impacts of November’s ballot questions,” said John Tidwell, AFP-OK State Director.

“Ballot questions are rightly infamous for their oftentimes convoluted policy language.  Our goal was to put together a guide written in plain language that will help Oklahomans better understand what they’ll be voting on,” Tidwell added.

The 2018 State Question Ballot Guide is now available online.

OCPA explains the five State Questions on the ballot

Every two years, Oklahoma voters go to the voting booth and find out that they are voting on more than just candidates for office; usually, there are multiple constitutional amendments on the ballot as well. The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) recently posted the following explanation of the five State Questions that are on the ballot:

From OCPA:

Want a simple description of Oklahoma’s ballot measures? OCPA doesn’t support or oppose ballot measures, but we do provide simple descriptions of what each one would do. Linked to each description is the full text of the measure and details on who is behind them.

SQ 793: Legalizing eye care and the sale of eyeglasses at regular retail stores

Oklahoma is one of only three states that bans large retailers like Target and Walmart offering in-store optometrist services. SQ 793 would remove this restriction, allowing more of a free market in eye care that should result in consumers gaining increased access to these services and products.

This measure was placed on the ballot via signature gathering. The change is opposed by some optometrists and others who benefit from the status quo. In a way, the measure is similar to the alcohol modernization efforts that passed on the ballot in 2016 and were implemented this fall. You can read the full proposal here.

SQ 794: “Marsy’s Law” would repeal current victims’ rights laws and replace them with others

Marsy’s Law is a list of rights for victims of crime that California first adopted in 2008. Oklahoma already has specific victims’ rights protections in law, which SQ 794 would repeal, replacing them with more general requirements. While Marsy’s Law claims to be mandatory, there is no penalty if government fails to follow any of the requirements.

In recent years, Oklahoma has adopted a series of criminal justice reforms. Some advocates of these reforms have urged caution on Marsy’s Law. Meanwhile, law enforcement groups and prosecutors who opposed many of the criminal justice reforms are in favor of Marsy’s Law. The Legislature voted in 2017 to put Marsy’s Law on the ballot. You can read the full proposal at Ballotpedia.

SQ 798: Governor, Lieutenant Governor on the same ticket

If this measure passes, candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor would run together on one ticket—just like the President and Vice President do. Twenty-six states do this already according to Ballotpedia. The purpose of the measure is to simplify Oklahoma’s executive branch and make sure the two top executive branch officials are working together.

SQ 798 was placed on the ballot by the state Legislature and, if passed, will take effect beginning with Oklahoma’s 2026 election cycle. You can read the full measure here.

SQ 800: Another state-run investment fund

This proposal would create a new, state-run investment fund. Specifically, SQ 800 would take an ever-increasing portion of collections from Oklahoma’s gross production tax on oil and natural gas production, put the money in a fund that would be invested in financial markets, and then transfer a small portion of it each year into the General Revenue Fund for legislative appropriations.

Oklahoma already has similar investment funds holding a significant amount of state resources. These include the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) and the Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO). Together, TSET and the CLO oversee over $3 billion in state assets, equivalent to more than one-third of the state’s appropriated budget. Read the full measure here.

SQ 801: Local control for local school funds

When parents complained that Catoosa Public Schools spent a million dollars on its football stadium while cutting school days and staff, the district’s answer was that some local tax dollars can only be used for buildings. SQ 801 would give local school districts more local control over locally raised ad valorem (property tax) dollars.

The measure would not allow bond funds to be used for operations or permit higher property taxes. But it would break down some funding silos so that local property tax revenues that today can only go to buildings or similar expenses could also go to teacher pay or to hire new teachers. The legislature placed SQ 801 on the ballot. You can read the full measure at Ballotpedia.

Oklahoma Osteopathic Association opposes SQ793

Oklahoma Osteopathic Association Opposes State Question 793

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Osteopathic Association (OOA) today announced its opposition to State Question 793, a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow big box stores like Walmart to open optometry clinics within their retail spaces and dictate the scope of practice for their doctors. The OOA represents over 1300 DO physicians as well as osteopathic residents, interns and students in the state.

The organization released the following statement:

“The Oklahoma Osteopathic Association (OOA) has announced opposition to State Question 793, a November ballot initiative that would result in a state constitutional change for the practice of optometry.  The OOA specifically opposes the process of using an initiative to change the state constitution as an attempt to influence the delivery of health care.”

The OOA is the second medical organization to recently announce public opposition to SQ 793. The Oklahoma Psychological Association said last week that, “It is not appropriate to allow non-medical corporations like Walmart to limit what procedures a doctor can do, what treatments a doctor can prescribe, or what equipment a doctor can use.”

Dr. Jason Ellen, a Tulsa optometrist, said that SQ 793 would make Oklahoma unique in the amount of power it gives to corporations to regulate medicine and could have a negative impact on medical care nationwide.

“There is no other state in this country where the Constitution empowers Walmart to define the scope of practice for a doctor or allows Walmart to dictate how a doctor can practice medicine,” said Ellen. “Giving a corporation that kind of control over patient health is just wrong, and it sets a terrible precedent for similar corporate control across the entire country.”

Voters can find more information about the negative impacts of State Question 793 at no793.com.

Oklahomans Against 793 new ad: "Walmart Control"

Oklahomans Against 793 release new ad

Oklahomans Against 793 today released a new advertisement in television markets across the state titled, “Walmart Control.” The ad highlights the extraordinary amount of control over the delivery of health care that companies like Walmart would be given should SQ 793 pass. 

As the ad states, SQ 793 would make Oklahoma “the first and only state allowing Walmart to override the authority of the rules that regulate medical practices and protect patient health.”

Watch the full ad below:


Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP) Executive Director Joel Robison said the ad works to highlight how far Walmart is overreaching in its attempt to control a medical profession.
“Walmart doesn’t just want to sell glasses,” said Robison. “They want to own doctors, dictate how they can practice and what medical procedures they can perform. Even worse, Walmart executives are working to put all of this in Oklahoma’s Constitution, making it a permanent change that can’t be undone.”

Robison said Oklahoma voters are catching on to Walmart’s deceptive campaign.

“This isn’t about helping seniors or kids, it’s about money,” he said. “It’s about changing the Constitution – our most important legal document – to boost profits for an out-of-state corporation. I think Walmart is going to find out this November that Oklahoma isn’t for sale.”

OK Psychological Assoc opposes SQ793

Oklahoma Psychological Association Opposes State Question 793

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Psychological Association (OPA) today announced it is opposing State Question 793, a November ballot initiative that would allow big box stores like Walmart to open optometry clinics within their retail spaces and dictate the scope of practice for their doctors. The OPA specifically opposes language within the initiative that allows corporate employers to sign agreements with doctors to “limit their practice.”

“Medical professions need to be governed by medical boards and by doctors,” said OPA President Dr. Lori Holmquist-Day. “It is not appropriate to allow non-medical corporations like Walmart to limit what procedures a doctor can do, what treatments a doctor can prescribe, or what equipment a doctor can use. That is true in psychology, in optometry and in any other field devoted to medicine, health and wellness.”

Learn more about SQ 793 at no793.com.

Leading senior advocacy group supports SQ793

OKLAHOMA SILVER HAIRED LEGISLATURE ENDORSES STATE QUESTION 793

Leading Senior Advocacy Group Endorses Ballot Initiative That Would Allow Retailers To Provide Vision Care Services In Oklahoma At Affordable Costs

OKLAHOMA (October 9, 2018) - The Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature  (OSHL) voted to endorse State Question 793 to offer affordable and more accessible eye care to Oklahomans.

“The Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature is pleased to endorse State Question 793,” former president of the OSHL John Kusel said. “Vision loss is a fact of life for many of us as we get older. State Question 793 would allow Oklahomans to receive eye care in more convenient locations that offer the same care for a much more affordable price. This is especially beneficial to one of the state’s most vulnerable populations – the elderly.”

Yes on 793 coalition members include Oklahomans for Consumer Freedom, Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature, Oklahoma Retail Merchants Association, Energeyes, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Costco, Walmart, DaVinci Equity Group and National Vision.

“Oklahoma’s outdated optical laws have long prevented elderly consumers in the state from seeing better selection and variety of prices when shopping for eye wear and we tried to change those laws for years, going up against the powerful special-interests lobby for what we know is best for Oklahoma seniors and families,” Kusel said. “We are endorsing Yes on 793 to help provide high-quality vision care to elderly patients to improve their quality of life.”

SQ 793 would expand consumer choice for vision care by allowing patients to receive eye exams and purchase eye wear at affordable prices in convenient retail locations, such as Walmart and Costco. Oklahoma is one of only three states in the U.S. that does not currently allow patients to receive optical care in retail locations.

For more information about Yes on 793, please visit YesOn793.com or on Facebook at Yes on 793.

About Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature
The Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature was officially established by the Oklahoma State Legislature in 1981 as an official state legislature for senior citizens. Its purpose is to fight for the rights and needs for Oklahoma’s 800,000 senior citizens. OSHL annually creates new bills that help seniors and forwards them to the Oklahoma Legislature for action. It is most recognized for passing the Silver Alert legislation and the passage of legislation requiring cameras in nursing homes.

About Yes on 793
Yes on 793 is a coalition of retailers, patients, health professionals and free-market advocates that believe in common sense reform to Oklahoma’s eye care laws. Patients in Oklahoma deserve greater access to vision care while opportunities increase for small businesses and communities.

'Yes on 793' launches first TV ad

YES ON 793 CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES FIRST COMMERCIAL

OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 7) - The Yes on 793 campaign will launch their first campaign commercial this weekend introducing Oklahomans to State Question 793 and the need to increase access, affordability and choice for eye care in our state.

Campaign Chair Tim Tippit said, "Allowing retail stores to offer eye care services such as eye exams and eyewear will work to improve access to affordable and convenient eye care for patients of all ages and incomes. Even more, this will bring down the cost of eye care for consumers and increase options for all Oklahomans. State Question 793 would let optometrists’ practice in retail stores, such as Costco, Walmart, Target and others– just as they do in 47 other states. Once again, Oklahoma is losing a border war to Texas, Kansas, Arkansas and other states who have this option."



Tim Tippit also said this is a statewide effort to educate voters on this important issue, "This is a robust statewide media buy. The opposition continues to mislead the public with false claims. Oklahoma eye doctors have spent all their time attacking the free market and maligning fellow optometrists to protect their bottom line at all costs - even if it means less access to care and higher prices for Oklahoma patients. The mistruths and fear mongering have been disappointing to say the least. It is imperative that we make every effort to provide factual information on the need to change this outdated, special interest protection and allow Oklahoma consumers the access, affordability and choice enjoyed by 47 other states. We need State Question 793 for children, families, seniors and all citizens."

Yes on 793 launches coalition of support

YES ON 793 COALITION FORMALLY LAUNCHES TO EXPAND ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY OF EYE CARE THROUGHOUT OKLAHOMA

Supporters Of State Question 793 On November Ballot Joining Together To Modernize Oklahoma Optical Laws

OKLAHOMA CITY (AUG. 14) — Yes on 793 today officially launched a coalition of consumer advocates, eldercare groups and retailers dedicated to improving access to affordable and convenient optical care for patients in Oklahoma by supporting State Question 793, a November ballot initiative that would allow retail stores to offer vision care services such as eye exams and eyewear.

“Our diverse coalition reflects how communities across Oklahoma are ready to finally bring the state’s outdated optometry laws into the 21st century and catch up with the 47 other states where patients have the freedom to obtain vision care in retail stores,” said Tim Tippit, Chairman of Yes on 793. “We are honored to be working with these advocates to champion the need for improving access to high-quality vision care services for patients throughout the state. Together, we can help lead Oklahomans to a future with the same choice, convenience and affordability that millions of Americans currently enjoy.

Yes on 793 coalition members include Oklahomans for Consumer Freedom, Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature, Oklahoma Retail Merchants Association, Energeyes, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Americans for Prosperity – Oklahoma, Americans for Tax Reform, Costco, Walmart, DaVinci Equity Group and National Vision.

SQ 793 would expand consumer choice for vision care by allowing patients to receive eye exams and purchase eyewear at affordable prices in convenient retail locations, such as Walmart and Costco. Oklahoma is one of only three states that does not currently allow patients to receive optical care in retail locations.

“Oklahoma’s outdated optical laws have long prevented consumers in the state from seeing better selection and variety of prices when shopping for eyewear,” said Gwendolyn Caldwell of Oklahomans for Consumer Freedom. “We are thrilled to be joining Yes on 793 to help bring these common-sense reforms and more choices and freedom to Oklahomans in November.”

“Supporting Yes on 793 means bringing access to quality vision care at affordable prices for older Oklahomans and all patients across the state in need of convenient, lower-cost options,” said John Kusel, member of Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature. “For seniors living on fixed incomes, this will dramatically expand these choices, and we hope Oklahoma voters will join us in supporting 793 in November.”

In July, Gov. Mary Fallin signed an order authorizing SQ 793 to appear on the November ballot after the Yes on 793 campaign turned in nearly 250,000 signatures to the Secretary of State’s office — more than double the required number of signatures to appear on the ballot. The Secretary of State’s office certified more than 249,000 of the signatures collected by Yes on 793.

“Now that SQ 793 is officially on the ballot, we’re excited to move into the campaign phase and be able to demonstrate to Oklahomans how our state's protective optometry laws line the pockets of special interests and hurt Oklahoma families,” said Tippit. “We fully expect to run a robust campaign because Oklahomans deserve the benefits healthy competition can bring -- greater convenience, affordability and more access to high-quality vision care services and products.”

National group sees SQ 793 as improving access to quality eye care

National group sees SQ 793 as improving access to quality eye care

Energeyes, a national nonprofit association representing optometrists who choose to practice in a corporate-affiliated environment, is taking an interest in the SQ 793's effort to provide all Oklahomans access to convenient, affordable and quality eye care.

Oklahoma is one of only three states prohibiting retailers from providing eye care services, whose effect keeps prices artificially high and restricts access to affordable, quality eye care for those who need it most, particularly low-income families, children and senior citizens. SQ 793 would simply put Oklahoma patients first by offering them more access to eye care similar to services currently enjoyed by high patient satisfaction in 47 states.   

This November, Oklahomans have the opportunity to vote for modern vision care laws offering patients greater access to eye care by allowing licensed optometrists to practice in retail settings. This opportunity would provide numerous benefits to Oklahoma patients, including the ability for Oklahoma patients to receive eye care in a retail setting, while experiencing the same high standards and quality of care they receive in an independent optometrist’s office. SQ 793 will require optometrists practicing in retail settings to have exactly the same qualifications as those currently practicing throughout Oklahoma. These doctors will have OCTs, retinal cameras and additional advanced instrumentation to ensure the best care for Oklahoma patients.

Attached with the above press release, Energeyes also included this letter that they sent to Joel Robison, Executive Director for the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians:

Gov. Fallin Signs Paperwork Placing Optometrist/Optician Issue on November Ballot

Governor Mary Fallin Signs Paperwork Placing Optometrist/Optician Issue on November Ballot

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed an election proclamation that places on the Nov. 6 general election ballot the question whether to allow optometrists and eyeglass retailers to operate in large retail stores.

The governor received information Monday certifying that the backers of the issue collected enough signatures to qualify for placement on the November ballot and that all of the other procedural requirements of state law had been met.

The issue, if approved by a majority of voters, would amend the state constitution by allowing optometrists or opticians to practice in retail establishments, and allows the Legislature to regulate them.

Oklahoma law prohibits consumers from getting their eyes examined and filling their eyeglasses prescription in the same store.

The deadline for the governor to sign election proclamations for state questions to be placed on the Nov. 6 general election ballot is Aug. 27.

SQ793 signatures certified, moving closer to November ballot vote

SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFIES NEARLY 250,000 SIGNATURES SUPPORTING BALLOT QUESTION TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO QUALITY EYE CARE 

SQ 793 Moves Closer To Appearing On November Ballot And Giving Oklahomans 

The Power To Modernize State Optical Laws

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (JUNE 14) — The Secretary of State today certified 249,451 valid signatures collected by the Yes on 793 campaign in support of adding State Question 793 to the November ballot, which will give Oklahomans an opportunity to improve access to quality and affordable vision care and eyewear.

“Today’s announcement by the Secretary of State confirms the groundswell of grassroots support we have long seen for modernizing our state’s outdated optical laws,” said Tim Tippit, Chairman of Yes on 793. “Oklahomans are sending a loud and clear message that they want the same access to convenient and affordable eye care that virtually all other Americans enjoy. It is time to listen to the communities of Oklahoma and give them the opportunity in November to bring our optical laws into the 21st century.”

SQ 793 would create greater choice and convenience for patients in Oklahoma seeking eye care by allowing them to receive eye exams or purchase eye hardware from retail locations such as Costco, Target and Walmart, rather than solely in optometry offices. Oklahoma is one of only three states that currently prohibits optometrists from opening practices in commercial settings.

'Yes on 793' turns in 255k signatures for eye care referendum

YES ON 793 TURNS IN MORE THAN A QUARTER MILLION SIGNATURES IN SUPPORT OF BALLOT QUESTION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO EYE CARE FOR OKLAHOMANS

Greater Access And More Affordable, Quality Vision Care Now One Step Closer For Oklahoma Patients

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (MAY 24) — Yes on 793 delivered 255,018 signatures to the Oklahoma Secretary of State today in support of adding State Question 793 to the November ballot, which will give Oklahoma patients the power to modernize state optical laws and expand their eye care options.

“We are simply overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response,” said Tim Tippit, Chairman of Yes on 793 and President and CFO of Edmond-based DaVinci Equity Group, a Top 50 U.S. optical retailer whose business model is prohibited in Oklahoma under current law. “With deep roots in Oklahoma, I am troubled by the fact my company is not allowed to bring accessible, affordable and quality eye care to our communities. In fact, patients in 47 other states have more choices for how they approach eye care for their families than we do in Oklahoma. Since the legislature will not act, it’s time to let the people modernize this archaic law.”

Current Oklahoma law prohibits optometrists from opening practices in “commercial” settings and further bars retailers from offering eye hardware unless it represents a majority of their sales.  SQ 793 will allow for greater convenience and affordability for patients by loosening these restrictions to allow consumers to fill their prescriptions at local retailers, while still keeping all health standards in place.

“The signature collection process showed us what we’ve always known to be true: Oklahomans want this choice,” stated Gwendolyn Caldwell, spokeswoman for Oklahomans for Consumer Freedom, which has advocated for modernizing state optical laws during the past year. “Not only did we exceed the number of signatures required, but we have done so with weeks to spare. To put this constitutional change on the ballot requires 123,725 signatures.  The Yes on 793 effort more than doubled that requirement.

“It’s time to bring our laws into the 21st century and give Oklahomans the same choices and convenience they can find online or across state borders,” said Caldwell, “We need to be promoting business in Oklahoma, not driving customers out of the state. Oklahomans are showing that they are tired of being denied the same rights as those in other states. We deserve the same convenience, the same affordability and the same choices. Saying Yes on 793 will make this happen.”

Given the timing of past petition turn-ins, the campaign anticipates that SQ 793 will be included on the November 2018 ballot.

About Yes on 793
Yes on 793 is a coalition of retailers, patients, health professionals and free-market advocates that believe in common sense reform to Oklahoma’s eye care laws. Patients in Oklahoma deserve greater access to vision care while opportunities increase for small businesses and communities.