She’s going FAR

Excerpted from page 44 of the Summer 2025 edition of AOA Focus 

Mahsa Masoudi, O.D., likes to compare her role as AOA Federal Advocacy Representative (AOA FAR) for Georgia to a mallard gliding across the water—calm on the surface but paddling tirelessly underneath. 

After all, much of Dr. Masoudi’s work as a FAR happens behind the scenes: rallying supporters, communicating with members as well as state and federal lawmakers, and fundraising where advantageous.  

“Big moves only happen with lots of small moves every single day,” says Dr. Masoudi, who once testified before the Federal Trade Commission on proposed changes to the Eyeglass Rule. 

The big moves? They center on advancing optometry—whether by fighting against abuses by vision benefit managers or advocating for scope expansion. 

AOA Focus spoke with the Atlanta-area optometrist about her role as a FAR and her passion for advocacy and eye care. 

What does being a FAR entail? 

Being a FAR involves keeping members aware of the issues, so they understand our advocacy efforts are continuous and that we [the states] are all in it together. We are all part of the same team, and recognizing that connection is vital. Advocacy requires being aware of the issues happening every day on The Hill. Most people are never aware of these issues, because the AOA staff, lobbyists and advocacy representatives work tirelessly to squash the small stuff so it doesn’t turn into big stuff. Many may see the big picture of the full puzzle, but not necessarily see all the nitty gritty of the daily efforts that went into making each of those puzzle pieces. 

What issues do members bring up most often? 

Medicare reimbursements is a common concern, though there are a lot of different levels to it. AOA regularly addresses the topic to promote reimbursement change. 

You mentioned making connections in your role. Why is connecting so important? 

We recently had a fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, who has always been a friend of optometry. (He is the longtime sponsor of the AOA-backed Dental and Optometric Care Access Act legislation. He also is the new chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee.) We raised funds to thank him for all of his efforts for the DOC Access bill. Recognizing connections is vital both with legislators and doctors of optometry. You have more success when seeking donations if you stay in regular contact with a doctor rather than irregular contact. 

It sounds as if there is an art to what you do. 

There is definitely an art to wooing people, and the wooing is what I’m working on. For example, you can’t just ask people for money successfully if you haven’t been in touch all year. People respond better if you stay in touch with them. My goal is 100% participation. 

What qualities do FARs need? 

Persistence and resilience are key. When you get told “no” 14 times, you still have to be able to go back and ask a 15th time. I’d also add creativity. I try to be an optimist. It is also about showing up, literally, so they can see who is behind the ask. 

What are you working toward? 

Saving eyes, saving lives. Being a FAR is a meaningful part of my day.