A lot of scope creep is political theater. Most ODs don’t want to do procedures. I’m sure I won’t be able to find a survey on that because it would go against the AOA’s agenda and cost them donations. It’s “look how important we are” at most. I think the reason the comp folks don’t go after this stuff as much as they probably should is that they don’t think it will truly lead to competition.
Also, where/how did the ODs at this “fellowship” train to let them perform and teach quality procedural care? Will ODs want to shell out cash for a laser? I doubt the 50% working retail can get corporate on board. Where will they get malpractice insurance?
What is even useful there? A PCO needing a YAG, a chalazion, narrow angles, and chronic POAG don’t really need “access”. Maybe if there’s a rare angle closure, but I’d be shocked if an OD would touch it. If a patient has an IOL, clearly they can drive to an ophthalmologist. If they have glaucoma that can’t be controlled on max medical therapy, SLT isn’t the answer.