After AOA response, 'Scam' writer issues clarification, lauds eye exams

In the face of AOA's immediate media advocacy response, the Atlantic magazine writer who last week attacked optometry and eye exams as a "scam" has issued a clarification. In response to a November 27 letter from AOA President Barbara L. Horn, O.D., Yascha Mounk tweeted a public message to his 57,000+ followers that included the following clarifying statement:
"To avoid all misunderstandings, let me be crystal clear: Eye exams are a good way to check for a range of dangerous diseases, from progressive blindness to brain tumors. If you have the time and money to visit an optometrist, go make an appointment today!"
The AOA continues to press Atlantic magazine editors on the Mounk article's inaccuracies. In light of the writer's clarification, Dr. Horn is re-affirming AOA's call for a retraction and, belatedly, a monitored fact-checking process.
AOA challenges baseless attacks, mischaracterizations of optometric care
Despite a vocal few denouncing gains in optometric care, the profession defines itself through the everyday application of quality clinical care, reinforced by optometry’s advocates’ vigilant outreach.
Leading the charge: AOA recommends care standard for telemedicine use amid rapid change
AOA Board of Trustees adopts recommendations from its Telehealth Council, which received input from leaders in eye health and vision care, technology, artificial and augmented intelligence and telemedicine platforms.
AOA issues consumer health alert for online vision tests
The public-facing alert encourages consumers to ask discerning questions about online vision tests before entrusting their eye health care to a direct-to-consumer service.