STATE ADVOCACY
State champs
Legislative victories in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma underscore the fact that state-level advocacy is essential to curbing abuse by vision benefit managers.
Minnesota passes long-awaited scope expansion bill
The new law removes outdated medication restrictions and allows some in-office procedures.
Texas unanimously passes groundbreaking VBM access bill
Effective immediately, law opens VBM provider networks for all credentialed optometrists.
650+ reasons why these powerhouse state sessions are advancing optometry
Prepare your advocacy team to create a winning legislative strategy by attending one of the AOA State Government Relations Committee Regional Advocacy Meetings this August or October.
Major victory for West Virginia patients, optometrists
West Virginia’s scope victory makes it the fourteenth state in the nation to authorize doctors of optometry for ophthalmic lasers, bolstering patients’ access to this level of care.
Study: ‘Unprecedented’ optometry scope of practice expansion benefits patients
The gains were strongest for Medicare beneficiaries and rural patients.
North Dakota secures telemedicine provisions, ignites grassroots advocacy
Pivotal new law establishes crucial safeguards and accountability for optometric telemedicine services but revitalizes grassroots engagement and strengthens the future of care in North Dakota along the way.
How to build productive relationships with legislators
AOA members share how solid relationships made all the difference in their scope battles.
Committee spotlight: AOA’s State Government Relations Committee
Get to know the committee that serves as a comprehensive resource for state affiliates’ political activities.
Why you should fight for scope expansion
Two AOA members who have spent countless hours advocating for scope expansion in their home states share why—and how—they did it.
How Arkansas’ major VBM law delivers on calls to promote fairness, doctor-patient relationships
Optometry’s advocates continue to build momentum at a state—and federal—level behind VBM policy changes that rebalance the relationship among plans, patients and their doctors.
Texas optometrists mount defense in court and legislature of landmark law on vision plan abuses
The Texas Optometric Association delivers a strong retort to attempts by vision benefits managers to circumvent the state’s landmark 2023 law curbing abuses.