Committee spotlight: AOA’s State Government Relations Committee

Succinctly put, scope battles are state battles. Affiliated state associations are in the driver’s seat when it comes to their scope advocacy. Yet, as demonstrated by the AOA’s Future Practice Initiative (FPI), they’re not going it alone—and that’s where the AOA’s State Government Relations Committee (SGRC) comes into play. 

The SGRC provides information, guidance, advice and resource assistance in all areas of state legislation and regulation affecting the profession of optometry to individual AOA members and affiliate associations, as well as to state legislators, regulators, third-party payers, attorneys, the ophthalmic industry, media, public and other interested parties. As a comprehensive resource for state affiliates’ political activities, the SGRC also: 

• Serves as both a political and legislative resource for state affiliates nationwide.
• Monitors state laws and regulations relating to the practice of optometry.
• Monitors the impact that federal laws and regulations may have on state activities.
• Maintains a database of state laws and regulations, as well as other comparative and analytical optometric legislative and regulatory databases. 

Johndra McNeely, O.D., past SGRC chair, says the committee strives to help states at every level of their advocacy battles but, crucially, it begins with building and maintaining a strong grassroots keyperson network. 

“The grassroots are needed for offensive and defensive work—and there isn’t a shortcut around it,” Dr. McNeely says. “Ultimately, relationships are what pass our bills. Relationships are what help us kill bad bills. And lack of relationships is what defeats our bills.” 

To that end, the SGRC partners with state advocacy teams years before any potential legislation is introduced in their statehouse. Time is devoted to grassroots training, enlisting keypersons, PAC fundraising and working down the AOA’s FPI checklist well before any legislation, especially regarding scope of practice, materializes. 

“Obviously, I’d love to see every OD with the desire and ability to practice to the highest level of their education,” Dr. McNeely says, “but it’s the grassroots relationships that get us there.” 

Promoting collaboration: Regional advocacy meetings 

In addition to one-on-one affiliate consultations, the SGRC also has committed to hosting regional advocacy meetings that promote collaboration among other state advocacy teams, seasoned veterans and emerging leaders. For three years now, these SGRC meetings have been workshop-style events with panel discussions featuring advocacy experts, legislators and other guest speakers. 

One such panelist, committee member Amanda Dellinger, O.D., says she’s come full circle with regional advocacy meetings—first, attending these events on behalf of her state and now presenting. As one of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians’ (TAOP’s) legislative co-chairs, Dr. Dellinger says each year’s panels and discussions help her to see the issues in a new light. 

“These meetings are a great place to share strategies, swap best practices with other states and really build a sense of unity,” Dr. Dellinger says. “States’ advocacy teams have responded so positively, too, appreciating the chance to collaborate and learn from each other. These meetings also give us a space to tackle challenges together and brainstorm creative solutions, which I think has been so important in our collective efforts in advancing optometry’s scope of practice across the country.” 

Get to know your AOA SGRC members 

Save the date!   

If AOA state affiliates are interested in elevating advocacy in their states, save these dates for the AOA State Government Relations Center (SGRC) Regional Advocacy Meetings in 2025.   

Aug 15-16 in Chicago, Illinois  

Oct. 24-25 in Phoenix, Arizona   

Registration will open soon, and additional details will come.