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Fighting new not-a-doctor bill
By Cory J. Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO
March 26, 2025
I really wanted to write about a clinical topic this week, but, alas, I unfortunately have to dredge up a matter that should be long dead instead: another not-a-doctor bill, this time introduced in the state of Florida.
The Return of the “Not-a-Doctor” Bill
That’s right, it’s time for the annual return of another not-a-doctor bill (or should I say bills?) from a familiar antagonistic legislator in Florida that would prevent optometrists from referring to themselves by the title of doctor, or they could face felony charges.
It seems that multiple defeats have not deterred state senator Kathleen Passidomo from her personal vendetta against Doctors of Optometry.
A Personal Vendetta? The Background of Senator Passidomo
And make no mistake about it, that’s what this latest not-a-doctor bill is – a personal family vendetta. Her father was an ophthalmologist. Her brother is an ophthalmologist. You can connect the dots.
After her 2023 bill was vetoed, her spokesperson stated Passidomo was looking “forward to continuing the conversation,” with this “conversation” being her second failed attempt in 2024.1
Now she is on her third consecutive effort in 2025, but this time she is not alone in her delusional quest. While state senator Colleen Burton introduced SB 172 with Passidomo as co-introducer, state house representative Karen Gonzalez Pittman introduced similar legislation, HB 1341, in the house. Oh yeah, Gonzalez Pittman’s husband is a radiologist, by the way.
Not-a-Doctor Bill Legislative Attempts: A Pattern of Failure
I can’t stand the resources we have to spend fending off legislative boondoggles such as these, especially when the bill sponsors have provided absolutely no evidence for their claims of patient confusion. We have many more important issues to focus on, such as expanding access to care for a population with a growing need for eye care.
The Impact on Patient Care and Access
In fact, this legislation threatens not only the ability to improve access to eye care, but risks restricting the access patients currently have. I can see the insurance panel rejections now if optometrists lose the ability to use the title of doctor, let alone the confusion that will be created among the public – oh the irony that a bill that claims to reduce confusion would only serve to amplify it.
But here’s the thing, this is exactly what the bill sponsors want. They want to use legislation like this as a distraction, to put our profession on defense. They do not want to see optometry take on an expanded role in our health care system, even if patients suffer because of it.
Distraction Tactics: What’s Really at Stake?
We as Doctors of Optometry need to band together to ensure these not-a-doctor bills do not become any more of a distraction than they already are. If you are an optometrist in Florida, contact the Florida Optometric Association immediately and they will provide guidance on the specific steps needed to oppose this legislation.
Other Articles to Explore
I know I have been harping on this point the past few weeks, but if you’re not a member of the AOA and your state affiliate, now is the time to join. The ramifications of legislation like this goes far beyond Florida, as similar bills have begun to creep up in other states as well.
Legislative Intent: Understanding the Motivations Behind the Not-a-Doctor Bills
Just so it is abundantly clear that this is an attack aimed specifically at optometry, here are a couple quotes directly from Passidomo after her pet project was vetoed in 2023:2
“And the optometrists objected to the bill last year. We passed it; it was vetoed. They lobbied hard. They are wrong.”
“So, what this bill does, it basically provides in your advertising, if you will, in the information you put out, what you wear, how you talk, you should tell your patients what your degree is. I think it’s wrong to infer or leave it silent that you have a degree you don’t have.”
Moving Forward: Focusing on Patient Care Over Politics
We need unity as a profession to shoot down this ridiculous legislation. And then do it again and again if necessary. Then, hopefully, we can focus all of our resources on what really matters – providing care for our patients. I would suggest the politicians sponsoring these bills would do the same and start addressing real issues, not some petty personal vendetta.
Click HERE to read about a recent state legislative victory for ODs
References
- Jordan Sexton C. Kathleen Passidomo knew “Eyeball War” veto was coming. Florida Politics. June 2, 2023. Accessed March 12, 2025. https://floridapolitics.com/archives/616154-kathleen-passidomo-knew-eyeball-war-veto-was-coming/
- Jordan Sexton C. 2024 version of “eyeball wars” going down to the Wire. Florida Politics. March 7, 2024. Accessed March 13, 2025. https://floridapolitics.com/archives/664052-2024-version-of-eyeball-wars-going-down-to-the-wire/
This editorial appeared originally in the Optometric Physician newsletter. Click HERE to subscribe
Cory J. Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO, is the Chief Medical Editor of the Optometric Physician newsletter. To contact him: coryjlappinod@gmail.com
