Latest: Texas defends landmark vision plan law
Texas optometrists stand alongside the State as a legal challenge to the constitutionality of the new vision plan law now heads before an appellate court.
West Virginia adds optometric surgical procedures
The state board’s legislative rule change, approved by the governor and effective immediately, expands Mountain State doctors’ scope of practice to include eyelid procedures.
Florida optometrists quash effort—again—to pass ‘not-a-doctor’ bill
“Not-a-doctor” bills have resurfaced again during this legislative session, after state affiliates and the AOA defeated similar pushes across the country in 2023. In Florida, on the last day of the legislative session, a bill there to limit the use of specific medical titles failed.
South Dakota secures scope expansion for injections, optometric laser procedures
South Dakota’s scope victory makes it the twelfth state in the nation to authorize doctors of optometry for ophthalmic lasers, bolstering patients’ access to this level of care.
Fight for Optometry
The AOA is the only advocate for optometry. Discover how you can help optometry keep a seat at the table whenever and wherever health care policy decisions are being made.
What optometry’s advocates are championing at AOA on Capitol Hill
Learn about the priority federal issues that hundreds of optometrists and optometry students will take to Capitol Hill as part of optometry’s single-largest annual advocacy gathering, April 14-16, and how you can join.
Capitol Hill inquiries into plan abuses are expanding
Key congressional health panel chairs join forces to probe impact of VBM vertical integration and acquisition strategies.
Health system optometrists strike for recognition, fair labor practices
Doctors of optometry employed by the University of California system went on strike Feb. 6-7, after a year of efforts to secure an agreement to invest in the care they provide.
'Not-a-doctor' bills are back: Affiliates, AOA preparing for fresh attacks on optometry
Last year, affiliates across the country defeated attempts to turn the clock back on optometry’s groundbreaking progress. This year brings two new challenges, as legislation is introduced in Florida—again—and Tennessee this month. Not that the AOA or optometry’s advocates in those states are surprised; as optometry advances, they’re prepared to resist any legislation that isn’t in the best interests of doctors of optometry and patients.
Texas vision plan law, now in effect, sees favorable development in federal lawsuit
The state’s first-in-the-nation vision plan reform law has faced a legal challenge since its passage, but a federal judge’s recent motion gives optometry’s advocates an opportunity to respond.
Talk of the townhall: Doctors view plan abuses as threat to doctor-patient relationship and quality care
Forum on reimbursement and coverage fairness advocacy produces fresh reports of plan-imposed barriers and support for mobilization for tough new laws, stronger enforcement and close government scrutiny of the vision plan industry.