American Optometric Association

The AOA Health Policy Institute (HPI) has released a new brief focused on blepharitis, its symptoms and treatment options. Check it out: https://ow.ly/2TAI50UsOg4 The AOA HPI is the thought leader in public policy research and analysis focused on eye health and vision care. With its expertise, the AOA HPI develops creative, innovative and educational resources and tools to inform policymakers, health care professionals, patients and the public. From data and other evidence, the AOA HPI illuminates the best policies for efficient access to and delivery of high-quality comprehensive eye health and vision care.

A new proposed bill, the Vision Lab Choice Act of 2024, would prohibit insurance plans from requiring doctors to use labs owned by the insurer. Read more about how it would give optometrists freedom to choose the lab they use, potentially lowering costs for both the patient and provider: https://ow.ly/XuFr50UrYcu

Learn more about a voluntary recall issued on Dec. 17 by Regenerative Processing Plant, LLC: https://ow.ly/RElO50Uut9t The company has indicated that a voluntary recall is necessary due to a packaging integrity issue with the eyedropper dispensing applicators, specifically, their lack of a backflow prevention mechanism. Learn the required actions to take: https://ow.ly/vyuk50Uut9s

Up to three grants are available! Don’t miss out and apply by January 15, 2025 for the second annual Golden Opportunity Award: 

American Optometric Association Vice President Teri Geist, O.D., was able to meet with visionary Johnson & Johnson leaders, Shawn Millerick President, Vision Care, Americas, Charissa Lee, OD, MBA, FAAO, Mandy Sallach, OD, Christi Closson, OD, FAAO, Chris Yarashas and Amanda Long Parker, to recognize incredible collaborative efforts in 2024 to advance patient care. The team addressed key opportunities to further the expanding and essential role of optometry and the vision and eye health of Americans.

For children, reading is a basic skill that is crucial for language development, educational success and future learning. Read more from the pages of #AOAFocus on how to differentiate between various visual problems and provide timely and effective intervention: https://ow.ly/JPaf50UtreN

AOA members share how disasters—manmade and natural – brought them to Optometry’s Fund of Disaster Relief and how it served as a vital resource as they faced emergencies while ensuring continuity of patient care during a crisis: https://ow.ly/ovnx50Utrb6 Donate now to help cover necessary expenses and expedite doctors ability to reopen their practices to serve patients: https://ow.ly/MRTv50Utrb5

A cost-benefit analysis, conducted by the RAND National Security Research Division found comprehensive eye exams for all service members more cost-effective relative to basic acuity screenings: https://ow.ly/p3On50UszXp The study also referenced the AOA’s Comprehensive Adult Eye and Vision Examination evidence-based clinical practice guideline: https://ow.ly/Wa6X50UszXm?

Vision screenings miss 75% of children with vision problems and Nathan’s condition took a long time to diagnose because he had always passed vision screenings offered at his school: https://ow.ly/kHSN50UszRf The AOA encourages annual, comprehensive eye exams with doctors of optometry because children’s vision is essential to their learning journey. The AOA thanks the Koenig family for sharing their story and their work to help their community.

New Jersey is at a critical crossroads in health care – learn more about how the state’s regulations and how new legislation would allow optometrists to perform modern, life-enhancing laser eye procedures they’re trained and ready to do: https://ow.ly/UUWv50UrXCV