Serving Communities & Workforce Development
The AOA's Health Policy Institute (HPI) provides quality information regarding doctors' of optometry workforce throughout the United States.
Doctors of Optometry Increase Primary Eye Care at Health Centers
December 2020
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) have used increased funding to expand primary services to include on-site primary eye care. The expansion includes additional professionals providing—and patients receiving—eye and vision services.
December 2019
Rural hospitals represent more than half of all hospitals in the U.S.; optometry's presence in these areas can be activated to provide needed access to eye examinations for high-risk infants.
County Data Demonstrates Eye Care Access Nationwide
April 2018
Doctors of optometry are uniquely positioned to serve as frontline providers in primary eye care as they currently practice in U.S. counties and county equivalents that comprise 99% of the total population in both urban and rural areas.
Doctors of Optometry in Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery
October 2017
The medical education of doctors of optometry prepare them to prescribe tailored solutions to a variety of health hazards and problems that arise because of a natural disaster.
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U.S. House pens Medicare vision benefit language, but funding woes threaten derailment
Congress’ Sept. 15 deadline for bill language passes with lawmakers backing key guardrails that AOA’s advocates say must be in place for a workable benefit. Yet, price tag developments may forestall efforts.
Pandemic savings strategies
COVID-19 has taught us that planning ahead may be more critical now than ever. During periods of uncertainty, it’s important to keep a long-term perspective.
Building relationships
Not sure how to begin your journey as an advocate for optometry? According to an AOA Distinguished Service Award winner, the key is developing relationships with legislators and their staffs. Plus, more tips on advocating successfully.