ADVOCACY
U.S. senators introduce VBM reform bill amid growing plan scrutiny
Congressional support for vision benefit manager (VBM) reforms continues to build with the latest bill introduced seeking to rebalance the relationship among plans, patients and their doctors.
The latest on AOA contact lens advocacy
Efforts include federal legislation and a new class action lawsuit.
Major victory for West Virginia patients, optometrists
West Virginia’s scope victory makes it the thirteenth 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.
AOA, affiliates take on VBM lobby’s attacks on optometry
Vision plan group’s smear tactics and misinformation are soundly rejected by legislators and formally rebuked by AOA as momentum for accountability increases.
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.
Surveys say patient and doctor concerns about health industry middlemen on the rise
Insurers, vision benefit managers and their abuses represent “what’s wrong” with health care, fresh indicators show.
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.