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AOA priorities advance as U.S. House approves sweeping legislation

AOA doctor and student advocates work hard to ensure their U.S. House and Senate leaders understand optometry’s priorities as Congress advances a sweeping legislative package, seen by AOA as both an opportunity to secure pro-optometry policies and a potential threat to reimbursement and coverage of optometrist-provided care.

Take a strategic approach to Medicare Advantage records requests

How to negotiate better terms and reduce administrative burden when insurance plans come calling.

Student-centered initiatives promote optometry careers

As students contemplate their futures, inspire them to consider careers in optometry.

U.S. senators introduce VBM reform bill amid growing plan scrutiny

Congressional support for vision benefit manager (VBM) reforms continues to build with the latest bill introduced seeking to rebalance the relationship among plans, patients and their doctors.

The latest on AOA contact lens advocacy

Efforts include federal legislation and a new class action lawsuit.

Can’t-miss hands-on workshops at this year’s Optometry’s Meeting®

Doctors of optometry and paraoptometric professionals can develop their skills and advance patient care with cutting-edge hands-on workshops at this year’s Optometry’s Meeting® in Minneapolis, June 25-28.

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FEATURED VIDEOS

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

Why attend Optometry's Meeting | 5th World Congress of Optometry in Minneapolis?

Optometry’s Meeting | 5th World Congress of Optometry, June 25-28, in Minneapolis, offers a unique combination of the AOA & AOSA annual meeting with that of the World Council of Optometry (WCO) to recognize and celebrate the boundless opportunities that optometry has to advance eye health and vision care across not only the United States but also the world.

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.

Defocus Media Podcast on Arkansas

Partner Content

Defocus Media Podcast

🔊Listen as Defocus Media's Dr. Darryl Glover and Dr. Jennifer Lyerly sit down with Dr. Matthew Jones and Dr. Curtis Ono to discuss Arkansas' landmark VBM reform legislation that's been the talk of the profession lately.

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CURRENT ISSUE

AOA FOCUS MAGAZINE

How to fill your staffing needs

Hiring. Training. Retaining. These are the keys to a sensational staff and a thriving practice. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. AOA members share their tips on how to build an all-star team.

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HINDSIGHT JOURNAL

Hindsight Journal Fall 2024

Hindsight: The Journal of Optometry History is the quarterly publication of The Optometric Historical Society, a program of Optometry Cares®—The AOA Foundation.

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PARAOPTOMETRIC NEWSLETTERS

Quarterly Paraoptometric Newsletters

The paraoptometric newsletter is a quarterly communication sent to all member paraoptometrics informing them of optometric news, events, education, involvement opportunities and more!

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FEATURED PODCASTS

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

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