CMS takes aim at Medicare Advantage plans misrepresenting vision benefits
Medicare’s latest proposed rule builds on efforts to rein back Medicare Advantage plans with the AOA contributing comments that reiterate the need to eliminate plans’ barriers to care and promote transparency.
Fighting for veterans, fighting for optometry
Ensuring our nation’s veterans have access to the full range of eye care they need, when and where they need it, has long been a mission for optometry’s advocates. Now, a pair of Veterans Health Administration directives affecting optometry could have far-reaching consequences beyond the nation’s largest integrated health care network.
AOA: No letting up on Eyeglass Rule advocacy
In a recent one-on-one conversation with Federal Trade Commission staff, the AOA again urges the agency to reconsider a proposal requiring patients to sign forms attesting that they have received copies of their eyeglass prescriptions. For small-business optometric practices, the requirement would be burdensome from a paperwork perspective and unnecessary given that consumers are more empowered than ever, the AOA says—again.
Affiliates, AOA share forward-thinking strategies for optometry’s advocates
AOA State Government Relations Center (SGRC) Regional Advocacy Meetings convened affiliate leaders and advocates from across the nation to collaborate and build formidable grassroots strategies for continued legislative success.
Fight for Optometry
The AOA is the only advocate for optometry. Discover how you can help optometry keep a seat at the table whenever and wherever health care policy decisions are being made.
AOA, state affiliate tracking California lawsuit alleging VSP monopolistic practices
Mirroring some of the AOA’s longstanding agitation over vision plans’ abuses, the Sept. 26 lawsuit by Total Vision LLC (and Total Vision, P.C.) alleges unfair competition, monopolization, tying and intentional interference with prospective business relations. Total Vision LLC supports 59 independent practices in California.
How AOA is keeping contact lens wearers safe this spooky season
The AOA’s 31 in 31 campaign once again scrutinizes retailers in the contact lens market who sell their patients upstream when it comes to valid prescriptions.
When getting paid will cost you
Recent reports suggest over half of medical practices are compelled to pay fees for electronic payments—how the AOA’s Third Party Center advocates for fair payment practices and advises on these plan policies.
AOA and AFOS: ‘Cut through the noise’ and empower licensed doctors of optometry to provide greater access to care to veterans
Eye care is the third-most requested health service by veterans at the VA—and doctors of optometry provide the majority of that care. Yet, as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) considers new national standards of practice for more than 50 health professions at its facilities, optometrists are making a winning case for expanding their role at an understaffed VA and are galvanizing against baseless attacks from organized medicine, ophthalmology and a few unbending legislators.
AOA: A force to reckon with
Always ready for the profession’s collective defense and advancement, the AOA leverages its full power, might and ability to deliver for you. You and your fellow members are the reason why the AOA remains an advocacy force, able to consistently deliver for doctors and their practices. So, explore how the AOA is working on your behalf.
Texas’ vision plan law takes effect, court challenge continues
The nation’s first comprehensive state law prohibiting vision plans’ anti-competitive behaviors threatening the doctor-patient relationship and patient eye care access took effect amid plans’ legal challenge.