Federal Keypersons Program
The AOA has a rich history of legislative and political activism that has helped optometry reach its legislative goals in the U.S. Congress through the Federal Keyperson Program.
Through our volunteers' efforts, optometry's views are heard throughout the halls of Congress; more than 95% of United States congressional offices are now covered by the Keyperson Network.
Personal involvement in the political and legislative process is among the most important contributions AOA members can make to the profession. With the emphasis that has been placed on health care in Washington during the past two decades, grassroots participation by AOA members has been a vital component in conveying optometry's message to Capitol Hill. The Keyperson Program is an integral part of optometry's legislative strategy and has played a crucial role in our profession's legislative victories.
The goal of the Keyperson Program is to have at least one keyperson assigned to every member of Congress. Keypersons are volunteers who have an existing relationship with a legislator or are willing to forge a new relationship. These relationships come in many forms such as neighborhood, school, church, professional, civic or political. Many keypersons have a doctor-patient relationship with their legislator. We seek a keyperson who knows their legislator and is willing to be a conduit for the profession.
If you would be willing to serve as a keyperson, know a colleague who would be a good keyperson or would like additional information about the Keyperson Program, please contact AOA Advocacy Staff.
Keypersons needed
It is now more important than ever to participate in AOA's Keyperson Program to help convey optometry's message to Capitol Hill.
The goal of the Keyperson Program is to have at least one Keyperson assigned to every member of Congress.
Keypersons are volunteers who have an existing relationship with a legislator or are willing to forge a new relationship. If you would be willing to serve as a Keyperson, know a colleague who would be a good Keyperson or would like additional information about the Keyperson Program, please sign up below.
AOA on Capitol Hill 2025: Live News Updates
Welcome to the official news hub for AOA on Capitol Hill 2025! Follow along with the AOA's exclusive coverage from optometry's single-largest federal advocacy event in Washington, D.C., and learn about the issues 600 of our colleagues championed on Capitol Hill.
Bipartisan optical lab choice, contracting reform bill gains support as Congress looks to halt vision plan abuses
Strong presence of AOA doctors on Capitol Hill and alliances with patient advocacy groups referenced in hearing on urgent physician concerns.
Optometry’s expertise on pediatric health and screen time dangers featured in U.S. Surgeon General’s policymaking symposium
Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety Chair and Past AOA President David Cockrell, O.D., joined federal health leaders at a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services symposium examining the impact of screen use on children, ensuring myopia, early detection and children’s eye health were front and center in national conversation.