Double duty: Doctors of optometry bring their vision to state legislatures
Last November’s general election saw doctors of optometry in seven states reelected or elected for the first time, which bodes well for optometric advocacy in their states.
Optometry’s advocates work to bolster their communities’ access to the full-scope, eye health and vision care services that doctors of optometry are trained, educated and certified to provide
“It’s awesome to have someone on the ‘inside,’ with all their knowledge of their state’s legislature and them having optometry's best interest at heart,” says Johndra McNeely, O.D., former chair of the AOA State Government Relations Committee.
“It helps so much to have someone who knows the process, knows all the players and state agencies,” Dr. McNeely adds. “I hope that more doctors of optometry will consider running in the future.”
Optometrists reelected and elected in November:
Illinois
Rep. Paul Jacobs, O.D., represents House District 118, which includes Alexander, Pulaski and Union counties and portions of Jackson and Williamson counties.
Doctor of Optometry degree: Southern College of Optometry
First elected: 2020
2025 committee assignments: Pending
2023-2024 committee assignments
Member, Appropriations-Higher Education Committee
Member, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics & IT
Member, Health Care Licenses
Member, Higher Education
Member, Veterans' Affairs
Member, Higher Education Committee, Degree Conferral Subcommittee
Kentucky
Rep. Robert Duvall, O.D., represents House District 17, which includes part of Warren County.
Doctor of Optometry degree: University of Alabama at Birmingham
First elected: 2022
2025 committee assignments:
Vice chair, Health Services Committee
Member, Banking and Insurance Committee
Member, Economic Development and Workforce Investment Committee
Member, Public Pension Oversight Board
Member, Families and Children Committee
Member, Budget subcommittee on health and family
Minnesota
Rep. Steve Gander, O.D., represents District 01B, which includes Clay, Norman, Polk and Red Lake counties.
Doctor of Optometry degree: Illinois College of Optometry
First elected: 2024
2025 committee assignments:
Member, Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee
Member, Human Services Finance and Policy Committee
Nevada
Assembly member Greg Koenig, O.D., represents District 38, which includes Churchill, Esmeralda and Mineral counties and parts of Lyon and Nye counties.
Doctor of Optometry degree: Pacific University
First elected: 2022
Committee assignments:
Member, Education
Member, Health and Human Services
Member, Ways and Means
Oklahoma
Rep. Carl Newton, O.D., represents House District 58, which includes Alfalfa, Garfield, Major, Woods and Woodward counties.
Doctor of Optometry degree: Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry
First elected: 2016
2025 committee assignments:
Chair, Health and Human Services Oversight Committee
Vice chair, Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources
Subcommittee
Member, Appropriations and Budget Committee
Member, Public Health Committee
Member, Transportation Committee
Oregon
Rep. Thuy Tran, O.D., represents House District 45, which includes northeast and southeast Portland, Maywood Park, Parkrose, Argay Terrace, Montarville and Cully.
Doctor of Optometry degree: Pacific University
First elected: 2022
2025 committee assignments:
Chair, Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans Committee
Member, Judiciary Committee
Member, Ways and Means–General Government Subcommittee
Member, Interstate 5 Bridge Committee
Rhode Island
Rep. Arthur Corvese, O.D., represents House District 55, which includes North Providence.
Doctor of Optometry degree: New England College of Optometry
First elected:1998
2025 committee assignments:
Deputy Majority Leader, General Assembly
Chair, House Labor Committee
Second vice chair, House State Government and Elections Committee
Member, House Judiciary Committee
Member, House Rules Committee
Learn about the AOA’s support of state advocacy.
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.
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