Survey explores delivery of therapeutic laser by optometrists

A new study by Cardiff University researchers has outlined the findings from a survey of 75 hospital optometrists who deliver ophthalmic laser procedures.

The research, which was published in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, outlines the findings of an online survey that was conducted in May and June 2025.

Among those surveyed, the typical time spent performing laser procedures over the course of a week was around five hours.

The most common laser procedures performed by the survey respondents were Nd:YAG capsulotomy (88% of respondents performed this procedure), selective laser trabeculoplasty (39%) and peripheral laser iridotomy (20%).

Less common laser procedures performed by optometrists were laser iridoplasty (4%) and laser vitreolysis (3%).

The vast majority (90%) of respondents had completed internal training on performing laser procedures.

“Local ad-hoc training within hospital eye departments without formal review is an acknowledged route to gain experiential learning,” the researchers shared.

The researchers noted that while a range of postgraduate training on ophthalmic laser procedures is available to optometrists, there is no formal requirement to complete this training.

The scientists outlined how 91% of survey respondents reported working independently and autonomously when performing laser procedures, with only one optometrist completing ophthalmic laser procedures under direct supervision. The supervisor in this case was an independent prescribing optometrist.

The study authors highlighted that this level of autonomy is not reflected in current national clinical guidelines on ophthalmic laser procedures.

“As this survey shows that optometrists provide laser procedures autonomously, guidance should be updated to better reflect this current practice,” they stated.