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.
Updated October 2022
The AOA recommends following guidance from the CDC and local health departments, including wearing masks as practical for patient care in areas with high community levels of covid-19. Doctors seeing patients with known Covid-19 will need to take precautions as they normally would in other exposure situations.
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
Updated October 2022
The AOA HPI recomends members follow clinical care guidance from the CDC and local health officials.
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.
Evaluation and Management Tip of the Month
The AOA Coding and Reimbursement Committee supports the AOA's strategic direction to develop and value procedural (CPT), diagnostic (ICD-10) and supply codes (HCPCS). The committee frequently receives questions regarding Evaluation and Management (E&M) services. Here are some useful tips. Members can submit questions regarding medical records and coding to askthecodingexpert@aoa.org.
Highlights from Optometry's Meeting® 2026
Check out what you might have missed from Optometry's Meeting® 2026 in Phoenix.
Ask the Coding Experts
You ask, the experts answer. The AOA Coding and Reimbursement Committee supports the AOA's strategic direction to develop and value procedural (CPT), diagnostic (ICD-10) and supply codes (HCPCS). Members can submit questions regarding medical records and coding to askthecodingexpert@aoa.org. Here are the latest questions.