State Question 793

[Laramie]

Oklahoma State Question 793, the Right of Optometrists and Opticians to Practice in Retail Establishments Initiative is on the ballot in Oklahoma as an initiated constitutional amendment on November 6, 2018: https://ballotpedia.org/Oklahoma_Sta...tiative_(2018)

[Bunty]

It's just making legal another option for consumers to buy eyeglasses and contacts. Opponents say Wal-Mart will insist upon lower quality standards. Then if you think that is true, simply avoid going there for your eye care.

[Pete]

I had good experiences with eye exams and buying glasses from Costco in California.

Just another form of competition that makes things more affordable, just like prescriptions or other health care needs.

[OKCretro]

Does this question have anything to do with Lee Optical?

[shawnw]

So far the only people that seem to have a problem with this is optometrists. If walmart can have a pharmacist (potentially much more dangerous if abused), I don't see why they couldn't have an optometrist. Or a dentist. Or whatever. They still have to get licensed by the state and such.

[PaddyShack]

I feel that this state question shows how Oklahoma has some very anti-free market issues. Who cares where optometrists set up shop?? Why was this ever made illegal in the first place? Especially since we handed the state over to the Wal-Mart monopoly early on...

[Urbanized]

I feel that this state question shows how Oklahoma has some very anti-free market issues. Who cares where optometrists set up shop?? Why was this ever made illegal in the first place? Especially since we handed the state over to the Wal-Mart monopoly early on...

So...it is the optometrists who are behind the original protectionist law, not Wal-Mart. Places like Wal-Mart are the ones intentionally excluded by the current law. The ballot is worded as if it is advocating on behalf of optometrists; "Right of Optometrists and Opticians to Practice in Retail Establishments Initiative," but it is actually OPPOSED by the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians. The supporters include:

• Oklahomans for Consumer Freedom
• Wal-Mart
• Oklahoma Retail Merchants Association

Here is the listing on Ballotpedia that breaks it all down: https://ballotpedia.org/Oklahoma_Sta...tiative_(2018)

And, such as often happens in pronouncements on this board about Oklahoma's supposed outlier behavior, this issue is in no way exclusive to Oklahoma:

https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/ar...re-exams-44841
https://www.sfgate.com/health/articl...ts-4291872.php

[PaddyShack]

So...it is the optometrists who are behind the original protectionist law, not Wal-Mart. Places like Wal-Mart are the ones intentionally excluded by the current law. The ballot is worded as if it is advocating on behalf of optometrists; "Right of Optometrists and Opticians to Practice in Retail Establishments Initiative," but it is actually OPPOSED by the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians. The supporters include:

• Oklahomans for Consumer Freedom
• Wal-Mart
• Oklahoma Retail Merchants Association

Here is the listing on Ballotpedia that breaks it all down: https://ballotpedia.org/Oklahoma_Sta...tiative_(2018)

And, such as often happens in pronouncements on this board about Oklahoma's supposed outlier behavior, this issue is in no way exclusive to Oklahoma:

https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/ar...re-exams-44841
https://www.sfgate.com/health/articl...ts-4291872.php

I retain the same sentiment in my comment, but thankful for the correction on who is on which side. I guess what it comes down to is I don't know how legislation was passed in the first place that limited where physicians could open their practice.

[Bunty]

Only funeral homes in Oklahoma are allowed to sell caskets. Maybe Wal-Mart or some other businesses would like to get in the business of selling caskets in the future. Doesn't seem to me to be a very appealing addition to your business, though. Grave monument companies might like it.

[Pete]

Only funeral homes in Oklahoma are allowed to sell caskets. Maybe Wal-Mart or some other businesses would like to get in the business of selling caskets in the future. Doesn't seem to me to be a very appealing addition to your business, though. Grave monument companies might like it.

Costco sells caskets in many markets.

[Mel]

This will open an opportunity for People on fixed and lower incomes. I know People that run around using 10 year old glasses or ones that are so beat up that it is sad.

[Laramie]

Only funeral homes in Oklahoma are allowed to sell caskets. Maybe Wal-Mart or some other businesses would like to get in the business of selling caskets in the future. Doesn't seem to me to be a very appealing addition to your business, though. Grave monument companies might like it.

Last I heard, you can purchase your own casket and have it shipped to the funeral home or mortuary. Burial & Cremation Laws in Oklahoma: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclope...-oklahoma.html

Do I have to buy a casket from the funeral home?

No. Federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets that consumers have purchased from another source, such as an online retailer. You may also build a casket yourself.

Many online casket companies will be more than happy to accommodate you and have a casket shipped within 24 hours.

[Urbanized]

Only funeral homes in Oklahoma are allowed to sell caskets. Maybe Wal-Mart or some other businesses would like to get in the business of selling caskets in the future. Doesn't seem to me to be a very appealing addition to your business, though. Grave monument companies might like it.

Back in a past, past life nearly 20 years ago when I was a project manager for a web development firm we had an Oklahoma-based casket retailer that was working with us to build an online store, but the laws at the time were incredibly restrictive regarding non-funeral directors being able to sell them. I remember reading a few things here and there since which led me to believe this had been relaxed or otherwise changed, but can't say for sure and too busy/lazy to google it right now.