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THE LATEST



Supporters say new federal report provides a green light for VBM accountability legislation

Advocates head to Washington, D.C., next week to urge their legislators to support the bipartisan DOC Access Act and to continue to actively investigate VBM abuses.

A Major opportunity

Brooke Major, O.D., emcee for the inaugural AOA EyeQ Championship, on Optometry’s Meeting®, AOA+ and how being involved with AOSA and AOA has impacted her professionally and personally.

HIPAA rule change on substance use disorder records won’t impact most optometrists

Most doctors of optometry can wait to update their Notice of Privacy Practices with AOA’s updated form.

The true cost of a cyber attack on an optometric practice

Health care data breaches are among the most expensive across all industries, and optometric practices are not immune. From forensic investigations and ransomware demands to HIPAA penalties and reputational damage, the cost of a cyber breach adds up quickly. Learn what a cyber incident can really cost and why preparation and financial protection matter.

Benefits far beyond belonging

The AOA is redefining professional membership with tangible value for doctors and staff.

How to win at independent optometry

Kurt Steele, O.D., on his new book and ongoing commitment to optometric advocacy.

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FEATURED VIDEOS & PODCASTS

The Link: Vision and Concussions

Explore how optometric care provides critical solutions for concussion recovery and persistent dizziness through the dynamic visual acuity test with Curtis Baxstrom, O.D., AOA Vision Rehabilitation Committee member. Learn how specialized lens evaluations and rehabilitation tools help synchronize the visual and vestibular systems to restore patient balance.

AOA Leaders Summit 2026: The Battles, Wins, and Priorities Shaping Optometry

In this episode of Power Hour, AOA President Jacquie M. Bowen, O.D., President-Elect Teri K. Geist, O.D., and Vice President Terri A. Gossard, O.D., offer a firsthand look into the profession’s biggest pressure points and what the AOA is doing to protect, expand and advance optometry heading into 2026.

AMA: AOA's Vision Rehabilitation Committee on Low Vision Awareness

Have questions about low vision? Submit them for the AOA Vision Rehabilitation Committee to answer here: https://amopt.wufoo.com/forms/rxap1zh0j0zns6/

Issue in 5: The Dental and Optometric Care Access Act

The patient advocacy group, Patients Rising, shares this 5 minute explainer video detailing the way vision benefit middlemen (VBMs) control the vision care market and why federal legislation, called the Dental and Optometric Access Act, is necessary to rein VBMs back.

Why Optometry's Meeting® 2026? Let your colleagues tell you why

Did you miss out on Optometry's Meeting in Minneapolis? Check out these 2025 conference highlights and hear why attendees choose #OptometrysMeeting and why you should attend in 2026!

Members of Congress speak out against vision benefit manager abuses

In July, Members of Congress stood up in the U.S. Capitol to speak out against vision benefit manager (VBM) abuses and the need for a federal crackdown, such as the bipartisan Dental and Optometric Care Access Act. As Members of Congress return to their home districts this August, now is doctors' chance to encourage their legislators to support this consequential bill.

Austin's Story - A Warning About Online Eye Exams

The American Optometric Association’s Eye Deserve More campaign shares the story of an ultramarathoner who skipped his annual in-person eye exams and relied on the convenience of online vision tests— and the consequences were permanent. Fortunately, he eventually found the care he needed through AOA doctor Dr. Jeffrey Sonsino. His experience is a powerful reminder that your eyes deserve more than shortcuts.

Introducing AOA Focus: Members’ exclusive online hub for optometry news

Pamela Lowe, O.D., AOA Strategic Communications Committee chair, provides AOA members a first look at the digital evolution of AOA's flagship magazine. Introducing AOA Focus, a member-exclusive online content hub designed to keep you informed about the latest in optometry. Head to aoa.org/news to see your newly redesigned and optimized news resource for all things optometry. #optometry #optometrist

GLP-1 Medications Impact on Eyes | Dr. Andrew Morgenstern

Do your patients have questions about GLP-1RA medications? A new podcast from Defocus Media featuring Andrew Morgenstern, O.D., director of the AOA Clinical Resources Group, examines the AOA’s latest clinical report on GLP-1RAs and vision risk.

AOA Leaders Take on Vision Benefit Managers: Legislation, Advocacy, and the Future of Eye Care

In this rare behind-the-scenes episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman is joined by an all-star panel from the American Optometric Association — Dr. Thomas A. Lucas, Jr. (Director of Advocacy, Texas Optometric Association), Dr. Jacqueline M. Bowen (President, AOA), and Dr. Jon F. Pederson (Trustee, AOA). Together, they pull back the curtain on the legislation, advocacy strategies, and state-level victories that are beginning to rebalance the power dynamic in eye care.

Dr. Richard Edlow Breaks Down the Eye Care Workforce Crisis Facing Optometrists and Ophthalmologists

The eye care industry in 2025 is facing a tipping point. With a rapidly aging population and a growing shortage of ophthalmologists, optometrists have never been more essential. In this powerful episode, Dr. Richard Edlow joins Dr. Darryl Glover to unpack the latest workforce data, explain why we need more optometrists, and discuss how optometry schools and policymakers must respond. Discover how collaboration, education, and reform are key to addressing the shortage of ophthalmologists and expanding access to care. #optometry #optometrist #eyecare

Defocus Media Podcast on Arkansas

MEMBER BENEFIT

Ask the Coding Experts

You ask, the experts answer. The AOA Coding and Reimbursement Committee supports the AOA's strategic direction to develop and value procedural (CPT), diagnostic (ICD-10) and supply codes (HCPCS). Members can submit questions regarding medical records and coding to askthecodingexpert@aoa.org. Here are the latest questions.

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Hindsight Journal Fall 2024

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