DESIGNATION OF CERTAIN OPTOMETRISTS, THERAPEUTIC OPTOMETRISTS, AND OPHTHALMOLOGISTS AS PREFERRED PROVIDERS.

(a) Notwithstanding Section 1301.051, an insurer may not withhold the designation of preferred provider to an optometrist or therapeutic optometrist licensed by the Texas Optometry Board or an ophthalmologist licensed by the Texas Medical Board who:

(1) joins the professional practice of a contracted preferred provider;

(2) applies to the insurer for designation as a preferred provider; and

(3) complies with the terms and conditions of eligibility to be a preferred provider.

(b) An optometrist, therapeutic optometrist, or ophthalmologist designated as a preferred provider under this section must comply with the terms of the preferred provider contract used by the insurer or the insurer's network provider.