131 vision-friendly holiday gifts for children
For several years, Kellye Knueppel, O.D., who practices in Wisconsin, has published a list of toys and games that can support the development of children’s vision. Find out what’s on her “nice” list.

AOA’s prestigious leadership program graduates another class
Learn how you can apply or nominate a doctor of optometry for the 2024 AOA Leadership Institute.

Through the eyes of students
Those who dwell in the past live in the past. Those who think and plan for the future will live that future.

New noteworthy optometry codes
Changes in coding and reimbursements worth knowing. Meanwhile, with the clock winding down on 2024, the AOA continues to press for Congress to act on reforms that would give doctors of optometry an annual, permanent inflationary Medicare payment tied to the Medicare Economic Index.

YAG procedures by doctors of optometry, after cataract surgery, better for patients’ care and convenience
Survey of 10 states, where doctors of optometry are certified to perform the YAG capsulotomy to treat complications from cataract surgery, finds patients are more likely to get in to see their doctors of optometry for the laser eye surgery than their ophthalmologists, and many see cost savings. Survey results provide evidence or grounds for further optometric scope expansion to other states, especially in light of workforce shortages.
Affiliates’ advocacy teams prepare to convene for meeting of the minds
The state advocacy-focused meetings, hosted by the AOA State Government Relations Committee, return in 2023 with three regionally based forums August through October.
Testing 1, 2, 3 … paraoptometric exam handbook, resources for certification testing
Staff interested in preparing for their paraoptometric certification can access an updated paraoptometric examination candidate handbook.

Doctors of optometry in Texas and Nevada build bulwark against vision plan abuses
Doctors of optometry in Texas and Nevada out-worked, out-organized and out-witted a better-funded opposition to realize legislation meant to overcome abuses by vision plans. The biggest opponent? The National Association of Vision Care Plans, which describes itself as a “voice for the managed vision care industry.”

DeSantis decision delivers historic win for Florida optometrists and patients
Florida governor’s veto of far-reaching “not-a-doctor/physician” bill marks a high-profile rejection of organized medicine’s effort to derail AOA/affiliates’ drive nationwide toward optometric scope expansion.
AOA Focus
AOA Focus is the magazine for AOA members. AOA Focus delivers a blend of updates, in-depth analysis and personal stories from doctors of optometry across the country on topics that matter most to the profession. This big-picture view is the perfect complement to the daily updates members get at AOA News.
