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

Register here

December 8-9, 2023

West Coast Optometric Glaucoma Symposium
Location: Omni La Costa, Carlsbad, California
Program Chairs: Murray Fingeret, OD, and Robert N. Weinreb, MD
Earn up to 12 LIVE COPE Credits (COPE Accreditation Pending)

Register here

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)

Register here