Whenever any policy of insurance or any medical service plan or hospital service contract or hospital and medical service contract provides for reimbursement for any visual service which is within the lawful scope of practice of a duly licensed optometrist with qualifications as defined by 26 V.S.A. § 1691, the insured or other person entitled to the benefits under the policy shall be entitled to reimbursement for the services, whether the services are performed by a duly licensed physician or by a duly licensed optometrist, whichever the insured selects. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any statute or in any policy, plan, or contract, duly licensed optometrists shall be entitled to participate in such policies, plans, or contracts providing for visual services to the same extent as fully licensed physicians and no insurer shall make or permit any unfair discrimination against particular individuals or persons so licensed. (1971, No. 186 (Adj. Sess.), eff. March 30, 1972.)