Glaucoma sufferers in California may soon be able to seek treatment from the same people who conduct eye exams.

On Wednesday, Brian Stiger, director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, approved controversial regulations that would allow optometrists to treat glaucoma suffers.

For months, The Watchdog has reported on problems with the development of the regs, exposing potential conflicts of interest, safety concerns and accusations of violating legislative intent. Even Stiger at one point suggested that it might be better for the state to start over on the regulations.