John Block, representative for New Mexico's District 51, expressed his pride in being a primary sponsor of House Bill 36, which aims to expand optometrists' duties and enhance their ability to perform minor procedures. He shared this sentiment in a post on X on February 22.
"Woohoo," said Block, State Representative. "A GREAT bill I'm incredibly proud to be a primary sponsor of to create access and equality among optometrists to perform important minor procedures passes the House!"
House Bill 36, sponsored by Representatives John Block, Dayan Hochman-Vigil, Stefani Lord, Javier Martinez, and Luis M. Terrazas, seeks to broaden the scope of practice for optometrists while granting the Board of Optometry additional powers and responsibilities. The bill defines optometry as involving preventive or corrective measures such as lenses, prisms, contact or corneal lenses, optical appliances, ocular exercises, vision therapy, and vision rehabilitation services. It also includes the prescription or administration of drugs to address visual defects or abnormal eye conditions.
Screenshot of State Representative John Block's Feb. 22 post on X
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According to the bill's provisions, the state Optometry Board is required to meet annually to review candidates for licensure. Board members will receive reimbursement for per diem and mileage as outlined in the Per Diem and Mileage Act. The board is tasked with defining the practice of optometry within the boundaries set by the Optometry Act. It must certify that test takers who score at least 75% pass the exam and is responsible for granting, renewing, suspending, or revoking optometry licenses.
Block shared an image on X showing that the bill passed the House with a 56-7 vote; five legislators were excused and one was absent.
Block is a Republican politician from Otero County and founder of Piñon Post, a conservative news outlet. He was re-elected in 2024 to represent House District 51. An advocate for conservative values and free speech, his legislative priorities include limited government and individual liberties. He resides in Alamogordo with his boyfriend.
