government
Optometry Defends Proposed VA National Practice Standards
In a recent House of Representatives hearing, AOA and AFOS members were able to refute many spurious claims of inadequate training and safety concerns voiced by ophthalmology and organized medicine.
09/25/2023
New Hampshire Governor Signs Bill Allowing ODs to Administer Vaccines
This includes those for influenza, COVID-19 and shingles. The law takes effect in 60 days.
08/10/2023
Ohio Joins Fight For Optometric Lasers
The proposed bill would permit ODs to perform capsulotomy, trabeculoplasty and LPI, as well as remove certain lesions, give injections and prescribe additional pharmaceutical agents.
08/01/2023
Iowa Gets Anesthesia Injections as Other States Pursue More Scope Gains
The law takes effect tomorrow. In New Hampshire, a bill allowing ODs to administer certain vaccinations heads to the governor’s desk, while New Jersey and Nebraska continue to advocate for legislation proposing the use of optometric lasers.
06/30/2023
Nevada Passes Bill to Reduce Eyecare Costs, Increase Access
The new law prohibits vision care plans from mandating ODs use certain labs, materials or discounts on noncovered services to promote a free, open market.
06/21/2023
Florida Not-a-doctor Bill Vetoed by Governor DeSantis
Thanks to persistent advocacy from optometry, ODs will retain the legal right to call themselves doctors and physicians.
06/02/2023
New Jersey Introduces Laser Legislation to Assembly, Senate
The identical bills would allow the state’s ODs to perform capsulotomy, SLT, LPI and lesion removal. It would also expand vaccine and prescription authority.
06/02/2023
Proposed Changes to Eyeglass Rule Debated at FTC Workshop
The recommendations could potentially burden ODs and MDs by imposing additional paperwork and regulations on practices. Members of the public have until June 20 to submit their comments on the matter.
05/26/2023
Alabama Laser Bill Killed Before Senate Vote
Before a scheduled public hearing was even held, Healthcare Committee members nixed the effort with no further explanation. Undaunted, the ALOA vows to reintroduce in 2024.
05/22/2023
Alabama Laser Bill Passes House, California Retools for 2024 Effort
The legislation, which would permit capsulotomy and SLT, will be heard by the Senate Health Committee next week.
05/12/2023
Upcoming Events
November 29, 2023
Addressing a Major Gap in the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease
Location: Virtual
Presenters: Melissa Barnett, OD, and John D. Sheppard, MD
Webinar: 8:00pm ET
Sponsored by Bausch + Lomb
December 8-9, 2023
December 9-10, 2023
Retina Update 2023
Location: Omni La Costa, Carlsbad, California
Program Chairs: Mohammad Rafieetary, OD, FAAO; Steven Ferrucci, OD, FAAO
Earn up to 11 LIVE COPE credits (COPE approval pending)
