AOA takes on anti-optometry lobbying group’s deceptions
Despite its name, the National Association of Optometrists and Opticians is a “front” for large optical retailers, working against the interests of doctors of optometry and comprehensive vision care for patients, the AOA contends in a Jan. 5 letter sent to the Internal Revenue Service.
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.
Congress’ COVID-19 aid, spending bill: Contact Lens Rule implications, key tax and Medicare pay fixes among AOA wins
The more than $2 trillion aid package and omnibus bill include a laundry list of AOA advocacy priorities, including a delay to FTC Contact Lens Rule changes, a new PPP “second draw” and deductibility fix, and reversal of steep Medicare pay cuts.
Online contact lens retailer, Vision Direct UK, to halt sales without required prescriptions after AOA complaints
After years of the AOA alerting the company of regulatory and legal requirements regarding contact lens sales, Vision Direct recently announced on its website that it was halting its no-prescription service.
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Congress probes vision plan policies, NCOIL drops AOA-opposed model language
Vision plan policy changes that incited swift AOA and affiliate rebuke have come under Congressional scrutiny, while optometry’s advocates score a win for states.
AOA, AOSA make appeal to extend suspension of student loan payments
The moratorium on loan repayment has been extended to Jan. 31, 2021. The average optometry student’s loan debt when they graduate is close to $200,000, and the AOA and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) argue that the relief makes a difference to current optometry students and doctors of optometry continuing to pay student loans. The AOA is working to ensure concerns of doctors of optometry nationwide are front and center.
APS welcomes Alcon, reflects on year of advocacy successes
The advocacy collaborative fighting for patient safety and the doctor-patient relationship reports on a productive 2020, despite COVID-19 challenges, and recently welcomed Alcon as its newest member.
AOA to FDA: Patients need guidance on risks of online vision apps
At Nov. 17 FDA workshop, doctors of optometry warn of a lack of communication regarding the safety of online vision tests. The AOA, which continues to educate the public on these mobile apps and to hold them accountable, offers its expertise.
AOA-backed DOC Access Act gains U.S. Senate companion
AOA turning up pressure on anti-patient, anti-doctor vision plan abuses with new U.S. Senate companion legislation.