State Advocacy
Mississippi scope progresses, other states seeing early successes
Mississippi zeros in on becoming the latest state to authorize certain laser procedures while other state affiliates report positive progress with their own legislation.
8 states authorize doctors of optometry to give COVID-19 vaccinations: The latest
Congresswoman encourages federal recognition of optometry’s utility in COVID-19 vaccinations nationwide as more states activate doctors of optometry alongside new vaccine developments.
Massachusetts scope win adds glaucoma authority
A scope expansion years in the making was signed into law with a comprehensive health care and telehealth bill on New Year’s Day.
Going further
The practice of optometry cannot move forward without expanding advocacy efforts and educational and professional development efforts. Are you ready to take your practice—and your profession—to the next level?
Equip to Expand Scope
Big scope expansion victories earned in Pennsylvania, Iowa, despite a turbulent year
While 2020 will be remembered for the COVID-19 crisis, AOA affiliates, including Arkansas, managed to successfully navigate the pandemic and opposition from ophthalmology to expand care for treating patients.
BREAKING: Optometry, patients win in Arkansas as ballot challenge to expanded practice law is invalidated
The high court’s ruling ends the current bid by an ophthalmology-backed effort to place the state’s new optometric scope of practice act on the ballot for November.
Court-appointed official deems signatures at heart of Arkansas scope saga invalid
The development comes as Arkansans for Healthy Eyes fights a well-funded, ophthalmologist-led group vying to dismantle the state’s scope of practice law in November’s election.
VSP policy change may violate states’ patient protection laws
VSP reimbursement changes, which take effect Sept. 1, may run counter to states’ laws as the AOA and affiliates challenge policies that could negatively affect patient care.
ALERT: Arkansas scope saga necessitates urgent action
Opponents to Arkansas’ optometric scope of practice expansion up the ante in fight to repeal law; AOA steps up support and urges members’ immediate help.
Study: Scope expansion to save Americans $4.6 billion annually
Billions in annual savings to Americans’ health care and widespread support for a full range of optometric care are linchpin findings of a new report on nationwide optometric scope of practice expansion.