Capitol Comments Articles
Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee Hears Optometry Bill

Optometry (Jan. 29, 2026) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee held a hearing on House Bill 2223, which amends certain provisions of the optometry law relating to scope of practice, definitions and credentialing requirements. The committee heard testimony from the following:

Proponents:

  • William Wilk, Kansas Chamber
  • Todd Fleischer, Kansas Optometric Association

Opponents:

  • Rachelle Colombo, Kansas Medical Society
  • Scott Hendrix, Kansas Board of Healing Arts
  • Brad Smoot, Kansas Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

The chair announced the bill will be worked at the next meeting.