Issue in 5: The Dental and Optometric Care Access Act

The patient advocacy group, Patients Rising, shares this 5 minute explainer video detailing the way vision benefit middlemen (VBMs) control the vision care market and why federal legislation, called the Dental and Optometric Access Act, is necessary to rein VBMs back.

Why Optometry's Meeting® 2026? Let your colleagues tell you why

Did you miss out on Optometry's Meeting in Minneapolis? Check out these 2025 conference highlights and hear why attendees choose #OptometrysMeeting and why you should attend in 2026!

Members of Congress speak out against vision benefit manager abuses

In July, Members of Congress stood up in the U.S. Capitol to speak out against vision benefit manager (VBM) abuses and the need for a federal crackdown, such as the bipartisan Dental and Optometric Care Access Act. As Members of Congress return to their home districts this August, now is doctors' chance to encourage their legislators to support this consequential bill.

Austin's Story - A Warning About Online Eye Exams

The American Optometric Association’s Eye Deserve More campaign shares the story of an ultramarathoner who skipped his annual in-person eye exams and relied on the convenience of online vision tests— and the consequences were permanent. Fortunately, he eventually found the care he needed through AOA doctor Dr. Jeffrey Sonsino. His experience is a powerful reminder that your eyes deserve more than shortcuts.

Introducing AOA Focus: Members’ exclusive online hub for optometry news

Pamela Lowe, O.D., AOA Strategic Communications Committee chair, provides AOA members a first look at the digital evolution of AOA's flagship magazine. Introducing AOA Focus, a member-exclusive online content hub designed to keep you informed about the latest in optometry. Head to aoa.org/news to see your newly redesigned and optimized news resource for all things optometry. #optometry #optometrist

Audio Extra: Richard Castillo, O.D., D.O., on AOA's Para Surgical Assisting Micro-Credential

The surgical assisting micro-credential delivers paraoptometrics a solid foundation in surgical assisting techniques, patient care and surgical office management. Access the didactic portion of the AOA Paraoptometric Micro-Credential: Optometric Surgical Assisting course in the AOA EyeLearn Professional Development Hub.

Members of Congress host Capitol Hill briefing on vision plan abuses

AOA President-elect Jacquie M. Bowen, O.D., shares a recap of an important issues briefing on Capitol Hill, Sept. 9, 2024, where the AOA, Patients Rising and National Consumers League representatives detailed vision benefit manager (VBM) abuses affecting patients and doctors. Such abuses are at the heart of three separate federal investigations, emphasizing the need for Congressional action in the form of the Dental and Optometric Care Access Act.

Seeking paraoptometric certification? Use AOA study resources—Tamara Franklin, CPOT, shares why 🧑‍💻

Developed using the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification’s (CPC’s) publicly available 2025 exam outlines, new study resources available in AOA EyeLearn are the No. 1 source for paraoptometric professionals looking to build confidence heading into their Certified Paraoptometric (CPO), Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOA) or Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT) exam. CPC member Tamara Franklin, CPOT, shares why AOA.org should be any paraoptometric staff's starting point for paraoptometric certification exam preparation.

Video Extra: Mile Brujic, O.D., on care of patients with presbyopia.

Mile Brujic, O.D., past chair of the AOA Contact Lens & Cornea Section, discusses the importance of sharing care options for patients with presbyopia.

Myopia Collective Change Agents carrying forth the standard of care

Learn more about The Myopia Collective Change Agents. Brought to the profession of optometry by AOA and CooperVision®, the Myopia Collective is a new initiative aimed at rallying the profession of optometry and its allies to interrupt the status quo and realize a new standard of care for children with myopia.

AOA Leaders Take on Vision Benefit Managers: Legislation, Advocacy, and the Future of Eye Care

In this rare behind-the-scenes episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman is joined by an all-star panel from the American Optometric Association — Dr. Thomas A. Lucas, Jr. (Director of Advocacy, Texas Optometric Association), Dr. Jacqueline M. Bowen (President, AOA), and Dr. Jon F. Pederson (Trustee, AOA). Together, they pull back the curtain on the legislation, advocacy strategies, and state-level victories that are beginning to rebalance the power dynamic in eye care.

Arkansas Makes MASSIVE Changes to Optometry Practice Laws!

In this powerful episode of Defocus Media, Dr. Darryl Glover and Dr. Jennifer Lyerly sit down with Dr. Matthew Jones and Dr. Curtis Ono to explore the sweeping legislative victory in Arkansas that’s making waves across optometry. From fair reimbursement and protections against Vision Benefit Managers (VBMs) to the power of advocacy and relationships, this conversation is a must-watch for optometrists, opticians, and optometry students alike. #Optometry #AOA #Optometrist

AWP: Evidence-Based Optometry: Behind the Scenes of AOA’s Clinical Practice Guidelines

In this episode of the Aaron Werner Podcast, Dr. Aaron Werner is joined by Dr. Carl Urbanski and Dr. Andy Morgenstern—two key leaders behind the AOA’s Evidence-Based Optometry Committee. Together, they pull back the curtain on the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) that shape how optometrists diagnose and manage disease.

Dr. Jade Coats: The Empathetic OD

Jade Coats, OD, FAAO, of Rogers, Arkansas, wants patients to feel like she's in their corner, inside and outside of the exam room. She's ready with a list of resources to help patients who need some emotional support as caregivers or patients undergoing treatment. Being empathetic, she says, costs her no additional time but creates mountains of goodwill and can contribute to better outcomes.

The No.1 Eye Doctor: They’re Lying To You About Blue Light! The Truth About Floaters!

Dr. Joseph Allen is an optometrist and leading expert in eye health. He is the creator of the ‘Doctor Eye Health’ YouTube channel and host of the podcast, ‘Eye Give A Damn!’.

Dr. Richard Edlow Breaks Down the Eye Care Workforce Crisis Facing Optometrists and Ophthalmologists

The eye care industry in 2025 is facing a tipping point. With a rapidly aging population and a growing shortage of ophthalmologists, optometrists have never been more essential. In this powerful episode, Dr. Richard Edlow joins Dr. Darryl Glover to unpack the latest workforce data, explain why we need more optometrists, and discuss how optometry schools and policymakers must respond. Discover how collaboration, education, and reform are key to addressing the shortage of ophthalmologists and expanding access to care. #optometry #optometrist #eyecare

What does a career in optometry actually look like?

In this episode of LIFE AS A.., we sit down with Dr. Deborah Wang, Director of Career Development at SUNY College of Optometry, to explore the wide-reaching world of vision care and professional growth in healthcare. Whether you’re a student, career changer, or curious professional, this episode is packed with valuable insights!