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.
November 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic presents health risks for doctors of optometry. Understanding those risks ensures continued ability to care for patients.
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.
New FDA Face Mask Guidance to Support Response Efforts to the COVID-19 Pandemic
June 29, 2020
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's face mask guidance assists doctors of optometry in providing a safe environment for their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
AOA, affiliates advocate for optometry in Phase 1 COVID-19 vaccine distribution
The AOA and state associations are working to ensure doctors of optometry will be included among initial COVID-19 vaccinations to health care workers, preserving Americans’ access to eye care.
Renee Brauns steps down as AOA associate executive director after 22 years
Integral to making the AOA the force for optometry it is today, Brauns is praised by volunteers and staff for her leadership, professionalism and dedication. The AOA remains positioned to continue powerful advocacy for optometry.
Integrating models of diabetic eye care
Early detection and treatment can reduce risk of blindness by 95%, yet a third of people with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy. More can be done, and that’s where upstream, integrated, value-based medicine aligns doctors and plans for the benefit of their patients.