In rural America, opportunity for optometry amid shortfall of ophthalmologists
Patient access to eye care and care itself in rural America is jeopardized by the shortage of ophthalmologists, a new study suggests. AOA President Steven T. Reed, O.D., says optometry can help close the gap between the shrinking supply of ophthalmologists and the demand for care. By comparison, more than 99% of Americans live in counties with a doctor of optometry.
Destination: Scope expansion
The AOA deploys multifaceted support for state affiliates in their high-stakes fights to secure optometric scope expansion through strategic guidance, administrative and operational resources, and the Future Practice Initiative, established in 2018. The bold direction is yielding remarkable results—scope expansion and the future of optometry are reaching historic heights.
Opportunities in Optometry Grants deliver fresh perspectives and enthusiasm
New grant recipients are already embracing optometry and searching for new ways to elevate eye health across America.
How to avert an eye care crisis
A noted author and lecturer is sounding the alarm over the growing gap between the demand for eye care services and the declining number of ophthalmologists.
AOA drives national discourse on optometry and importance of in-person eye care
This year, the AOA has generated more than 5B impressions from 2.5K earned media placements, including CNN, FOX News, U.S. News & World Report, CNET, USA Today and more. A recent New York Times article was yet another opportunity for the AOA to be part of and influence the discourse.
Research on eye aberrations not abstract to award-winning scientists
For the sixth consecutive year, the AOA is sponsoring the Investigator Initiated Research Award. Investigators are invited to electronically submit proposals by June 15 for projects designed to increase knowledge through basic clinical and/or translational science related to the continuum of eye and vision care. Jason Marsack, Ph.D., talks about the work he and his collaborators are currently pursuing in the laboratory.
Why optometrists love the AOA Business Card
Some large practices have generated $36,000 back in rewards annually, while smaller practices benefit with no annual fee or personal liability.
Town hall draws hundreds as AOA and affiliate advocacy earns back millions
AOA and affiliate advocacy wins result in nearly $3 million retrieved on behalf of doctors of optometry in 2024. Read how the AOA and affiliates are fighting for fairness. They were updated at a profession-wide, live-streamed town hall on Oct. 29.
'All the advocacy firepower’ called up at AOA on Capitol Hill
Over 500 AOA doctors and optometry students championed the profession’s priority issues in Washington, D.C., including a growing Congressional focus on vision plan abuses.