Forbes: Oklahoma May Lift Restrictions on Access to Eye Care in November, as Other States Propose New Ones
By Patrick Gleason –
Only three states in the country ban stores like Target, Wal-Mart, & Costco from offering in-store eye care centers in which optometrists treat patients, though that may soon change. A measure will appear on the Oklahoma ballot this November that gives voters the opportunity to lift the Sooner State’s arcane restrictions on eye care services.
Gov. Mary Fallin (R) certified the measure, Question 793, for the general election ballot on July 23rd after 249,251 signatures in support were submitted, double the 123,725 signatures required to qualify for the statewide ballot in Oklahoma. Question 793 strikes many as a common sense reform that will increase convenience for individuals and families, expand access to eye care, and reduce costs for consumers. However, those with a financial interest in maintaining the state’s restrictions on eye care are making a final push to defend the anti-competitive status quo.