Miss. Code Ann. § 83-41-203: Beneficiaries’ freedom of choice of practitioner in performance of visual service; optometrists.

Whenever any policy of insurance or any medical service plan or hospital service contract or hospital and medical service contract issued in this state provides for reimbursement for any visual service which is within the lawful scope of practice of a duly licensed optometrist as defined in Section 73-19-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, the insured or other person entitled to benefits under such policy shall be entitled to reimbursement for such services, whether such services are performed by a duly licensed physician or by a duly licensed optometrist, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any statute or in such policy, plan or contract. Duly licensed optometrists shall be entitled to participate in such policies, plans, or contracts providing for visual services, as authorized by Sections 73-19-1 and 43-3-67, Mississippi Code of 1972, to the same extent as duly licensed physicians.