AOA Health Policy Institute's Response to COVID-19
The AOA Health Policy Institute (HPI) is closely monitoring developments and will actively provide updates regarding COVID-19 to ensure doctors of optometry and the public not only understand the risks associated with this pandemic but also have the latest information for continued patient care.
The AOA's and AOA HPI's priority is to support the health and safety of the public and the optometric community, and will continue to assess the situation and update recommendations accordingly.
February 11, 2021
Eye protection and face mask guidance (e.g. CDC, FDA) assists doctors of optometry in providing a safe environment for themselves, their staff and their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. With high community spread throughout the U.S. ( e.g. including variants) and high rates of asymptomatic COVID-19 disease, these recommendations are changing.
Public Health and Epidemiology of COVID-19 for Doctors of Optometry
February 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic presents health risks for doctors of optometry. Understanding those risks ensures continued ability to care for patients, while respecting their safety and aiding the community wellbeing.
Third Nationwide Impact and Response Survey of Optometry Practices during the COVID-19 Pandemic
November 2020
The AOA HPI issued a report on their third survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on optometric practices.
Second Nationwide Impact and Response Survey of Optometry Practices during the COVID-19 Pandemic
July 30, 2020
The AOA HPI issued a report on their second survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on optometric practices.
June 26, 2020
The AOA HPI details optometry's significant patient care contributions in providing urgent and emergent eye care for over 206,000 patients at the height of the March 2020, COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, diverting vulnerable populations away from emergency departments coping with surging coronavirus caseloads.
Nationwide Impact and Response Survey of Optometry Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic
May 14, 2020
The AOA HPI surveyed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on doctors of optometry.
Doctors of Optometry Essential Care Guidelines for COVID-19 Pandemic
March 26, 2020
The AOA HPI has provided essential care guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Doctors of Optometry in COVID-19 Preparedness, Response and Recovery
March 25, 2020
Doctors of optometry play a significant role in monitoring, diagnosing and identifying health hazards related to COVID-19 in their communities.
History made: Wyoming expands scope to include contemporary laser, excision procedures
Wyoming’s approval of contemporary optometric procedures, including laser and excision authorities, goes down in history as the first time in a single year that two states accomplished the scope expansion.
Candidates announce bids for 2021 Board of Trustees elections
Optometry’s Meeting®, June 24-26, in Denver, Colorado, is taking shape now, and so is the AOA Board of Trustees—familiarize yourself with the doctors seeking to represent members.
Registration now open: What to expect from Optometry’s Meeting® 2021
Optometry’s Meeting returns to Denver, June 24-26, with a reimagined experience that keeps attendees’ health and safety paramount—see how 2021 is different and register to attend today.