5 things every office needs to practice full-scope optometry

Excerpted from page 56 of the Winter 2024 edition of AOA Focus 

Matthew Jones, O.D., is a recognized leader in the scope expansion efforts in Arkansas, having successfully led the passage of the state’s 2019 scope expansion bill. Dr. Jones is currently the legislative chair for the Arkansas Optometric Association, a member of the AOA-PAC Board of Directors and a member of the AOA’s State Government Relations Committee focused on access to the highest quality of care for patients across the state.  

Here are five technologies that he says enable his practice to provide full-scope care. 

1. An SLT/YAG combination laser is available from several companies. Try them out, ask to demo and find one that you are comfortable with. They are affordable.
2. Intense pulsed light therapy is a game changer in optometry!
3. Radiofrequency allows for a non-invasive approach to so many ocular issues. Ocular surface disease, lumps, bumps, etc.
4. Virtual reality (VR) is here to stay. VR headsets are everywhere in my practice, from visual fields to macular degeneration diagnosis and assessment to technology such as Neurolens, providing a therapeutic lens treatment for many ocular conditions.
5. Artificial intelligence (AI) is also here to stay—and to grow into the future. I for one don’t know where AI will fit in the optometric practice in the future... but I’m willing to bet it will need to fit somewhere.

Learn about the AOA’s support of state advocacy.   

Save the date!   

If AOA state affiliates are interested in elevating advocacy in their states, save these dates for the AOA State Government Relations Center (SGRC) Regional Advocacy Meetings in 2025.   

Aug 15-16 in Chicago, Illinois  

Oct. 24-25 in Phoenix, Arizona   

Registration will open soon, and additional details will come.