A group formed by the state’s optometrists to combat a potential ballot initiative to repeal an Arkansas law they supported has made their organization formal.

Arkansans for Healthy Eyes, which describes itself as a “coalition of optometric physicians and patients,” announced its formation on Wednesday. The ballot question committee said it “aims to educate Arkansans about the need for Act 579,” a law passed in the 2019 regular session to allow optometrist to conduct limited eye surgeries.

“Act 579 gives Arkansas patients better access to quality care by allowing optometrists to perform more of the procedures we are absolutely qualified to safely perform,” said Dr. Belinda Starkey, an Arkansas optometrist and member of the Arkansans for Healthy Eyes committee.