Federal Advocacy
Doctors of optometry obtain $2.1 billion in federal relief to blunt COVID-19 economic crisis
Even as doctors of optometry receive the much-needed funds, the AOA remains committed to advocating for optometry’s inclusion in federal crisis measures. Reminder: the deadline to apply for relief has been extended to May 31.
Starting April 1, patients must acknowledge receipt of their contact lens prescriptions or provide consent to email it
Despite yearslong opposition by the AOA, other medical groups and many in Congress, the government’s Contact Lens Rule changes requiring confirmations and recordkeeping for at least three years are in effect. The Federal Trade Commission confirms it has authority to seek fines for noncompliance.
April 1 Medicare sequester date arrives: Congress eyes action on physician pay cuts, PRF taxability
Help AOA advocate for a fix on these issues immediately affecting optometry practices—a 2% Medicare pay cut and taxability of HHS Provider Relief Funds.
Expanded COVID-19 vaccinator workforce includes doctors and students of optometry
The federal recognition of optometry’s utility in current COVID-19 vaccination efforts comes after weeks of AOA advocacy. Here’s how to get started.
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‘Frustrating’ NBEO decisions provoke AOA, AOSA response
Abrupt schedule and fee changes, limited availabilities and a lack of advanced communication draw criticism from students and a word of warning that confidence is fading in the testing agency.
Congress’ COVID-19 relief package: HHS funds, ERC extension and more
The $1.9 trillion relief package includes the extension and funding of many federal initiatives that AOA supported in assisting optometry practices still coping with the pandemic fallout.
Paraoptometric advocacy lifts optometry: Why staff involvement is critical
Paraoptometric attendance at the AOA’s premier advocacy conference, May 23-25, helps reinforce optometry’s case for immediate changes that will affect the entire practice.
Do you know optometry’s advocacy priorities? Learn the issues before Virtual AOA on Capitol Hill
Virtual AOA on Capitol Hill, May 23-25, is open to all advocacy-minded doctors, optometry students and paraoptometrics. Learn the issues and get involved at optometry’s premier advocacy event.
Ohio activates eligible doctors for COVID-19 vaccine administration, AOA focuses new relief efforts
As AOA advocates in new federal relief legislation and recognition of optometry’s ability to support the U.S. COVID-19 vaccine campaign, Ohio calls on volunteer doctors of optometry to assist.
2 members cut ties and another distances itself due to actions of anti-optometry lobbying group
Despite its name, the National Association of Optometrists and Opticians is a “front” for large optical retailers, working against the interests of doctors of optometry and comprehensive eye health care for patients, the AOA contends in a Jan. 5 letter sent to the Internal Revenue Service. Some companies are now taking steps to disassociate from the lobbying group and its recent actions.