Florida governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed a state bill that would have barred optometrists from referring to themselves as “physicians.” The bill, known as SB 230, had been filed in February and was vetoed in early June.

The American Optometric Association and Florida Optometric Association both celebrated the veto.

“Gov. DeSantis’ decisive action today is a powerful message of support for and recognition of optometry’s essential and expanding role in health care,” wrote AOA president Ronald L. Benner, OD, via a statement on the AOA’s website. “The FOA fought and prevailed in a challenging battle and did so by remaining confident in the knowledge that truth, fairness and the needs of patients across the Sunshine State would prevail. I’m proud to say thank you to Gov. DeSantis, the FOA and colleagues from across the country who helped ensure that our profession was heard loud and clear.”

The full statement from the AOA can be read at bit.ly/AOAvetoresponse . OM