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.
4 office-based surgical procedures courses to help patients achieve a better quality of life
As contemporary optometry evolves, opportunities will open up for doctors of optometry to expand surgical procedures in their practices. A series of courses on these office-based procedures will be offered at Optometry’s Meeting®.
Advocacy from academia
In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, the AOA thanks optometric educators for the impact they make on students and the profession and for preparing the doctors of tomorrow.
Get involved: 10 minutes to learn optometry’s advocacy
A limited-time, members-only course offers an introduction to professional advocacy as optometry’s advocates gear up for Virtual AOA on Capitol Hill, May 23-25.