Federal Advocacy
Doctors of optometry challenge reasoning behind proposed Eyeglass Rule changes at FTC workshop
The recent workshop heard testimony from various stakeholders on the potential impact that proposed changes to the Eyeglass Rule might have on consumer choice and the burden on the practices of doctors of optometry and ophthalmology, which are already understaffed and saddled with other federal regulation. The Federal Trade Commission will use the feedback to determine whether to go forward with its recommendations.
DOC Access Act gains Senate companion
The Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act curbs anti-patient, anti-doctor mandates by vision plans and affirms the doctor-patient relationship.
Contact lens safety legislation proposes banning robocalls
Backed by the AOA and Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety, the legislation would prohibit sellers’ manipulation of the current contact lens prescription verification system and restore doctors’ oversight.
Help voice optometry’s priorities at AOA on Capitol Hill: Here’s how
This year the AOA’s single-largest annual advocacy experience, AOA on Capitol Hill, occurs in conjunction with Optometry’s Meeting®, June 21-24, in Washington, D.C. Join optometry’s advocates in our nation’s capital.
Take Action, Secure Change
Brush up on AOA’s priority issues and connect with your lawmakers to urge their support.
Part of the solution: Optometry groups join AOA in submitting actionable solutions for workforce shortages
The presidents of the AOA, ASCO and AOSA jointly respond to March 2 call from Sen. Bernie Sanders, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), and ranking member Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D., for AOA and its partners to give input on “the root causes of the current health care workforce shortage and potential ways to address it.” Their feedback will be used to identify bipartisan solutions for legislation in the future, the senators say.
Hatch Act permits issue advocacy by doctors of optometry
AOA general counsel provides a primer on the dos and don’ts of engaging in political activity by federal employees.
AOA makes robust rebuttal to FTC over proposed changes to Eyeglass Rule
During the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC’s) recent comment period on the proposed changes, the AOA recommends updating the Eyeglass Rule to better serve and protect consumers and seeks to meet with agency officials.
Bill seeks physician-level recognition, more competitive pay and advancement opportunities for VA doctors of optometry
Urge lawmakers to support a Senate bill that would recognize the physician-level care doctors of optometry provide and ensure the VA has the tools it needs to better recruit and retain the overwhelming providers of primary and medical eye care for the nation’s veterans.
Contact Lens Rule compliance
Know the requirements and where to find resources that can help you comply.
AOA decries misleading Medicare Advantage advertising
Medicare’s proposal for addressing misleading Medicare Advantage advertising is a step in the right direction, the AOA contends, urging added attention on the marketing of supplemental benefits for eye care.