• category:Legal
How could new tariffs impact the optical industry?
Legal

How could new tariffs impact the optical industry?

The Vision Council dives into current and future impacts on eyewear amidst ongoing U.S. trade war against Canada, China, Mexico, and other countries.
Arkansas passes legislation regulating vision benefit managers
Legal

Arkansas passes legislation regulating vision benefit managers

Initially set to take effect in August, Act 142 targets improved access to eye health and vision care as well as payment protections and fair reimbursements.
Warby Parker fined $1.5M over HIPAA violations after cyber attacks
Legal

Warby Parker fined $1.5M over HIPAA violations after cyber attacks

Civil money penalty issued following federal investigation of breaches that resulted in thousands of customer information compromised.
Class action lawsuit filed against EzriCare over artificial tears
Legal

Class action lawsuit filed against EzriCare over artificial tears

Latest filing alleges the company and other defendants, including Walgreens, violated federal regulations in distributing and selling contaminated products.
New OCTA CPT code goes into effect
Legal

New OCTA CPT code goes into effect

Effective Jan. 1, ECPs now have a new billing code for reporting computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging of the retina.
Congress approves physician-level pay scale for VA optometrists
Legal

Congress approves physician-level pay scale for VA optometrists

New designation from bipartisan reform legislation will raise entry-level salaries and enable more competitive compensation package.
FTC refunds over $1M to bait-and-switch LASIKPlus consumers
Legal

FTC refunds over $1M to bait-and-switch LASIKPlus consumers

Agency will send +12,000 compensation payments totaling $1.1 million after falsely-advertised promo prices for LASIK surgery.
Updated Eyeglass Rule officially takes effect
Legal

Updated Eyeglass Rule officially takes effect

FTC implements changes to longstanding rule for optometrists and ophthalmologists intended to promote competition and consumer choices.
FTC supports proposed FDA interchangeable biosimilar drug guidance
Legal

FTC supports proposed FDA interchangeable biosimilar drug guidance

Agency notes potential marketplace benefits, including a simplified regulatory process, greater patient and provider access as well as increased competition.
LumiThera receives first CPT code for retina-based PBM therapy
Legal

LumiThera receives first CPT code for retina-based PBM therapy

New Category III code applies to the Valeda Light Delivery System, intended to treat dry AMD.
Optometry excluded in new DC scope of practice legislation
Legal

Optometry excluded in new DC scope of practice legislation

Bill originally proposed allowing ODs to prescribe and administer controlled substances as well as initiate glaucoma treatment without consulting a patient’s primary physician. 
FTC adds final compliance-targeted updates to Eyeglass Rule
Legal

FTC adds final compliance-targeted updates to Eyeglass Rule

Changes to longstanding rule intend to promote competition and consumer choices.
Public support needed for landmark pediatric vision and eye health legislation
Legal

Public support needed for landmark pediatric vision and eye health legislation

Proposed bipartisan bill would create the first federally-funded program to improve care across the country.
Alcon faces penalty over Sight Sciences patent infringement
Legal

Alcon faces penalty over Sight Sciences patent infringement

Jury trial rules that Alcon willfully infringed on three Sight Sciences patents, compelling them to pay $34 million in monetary damages.
The Vision Council launches online regulatory monitoring service for optical industry
Legal

The Vision Council launches online regulatory monitoring service for optical industry

Digital platform will provide real-time updates of teleoptometry regulation and legislation across all 50 states and DC.
Regeneron faces DOJ complaint in alleged Medicare overcharge of Eylea
Legal

Regeneron faces DOJ complaint in alleged Medicare overcharge of Eylea

The U.S. government alleges the company knowingly submitted false average sales prices and, as a result, inflated reimbursements rates.
Florida ODs kill yet another not-a-doctor bill
Legal

Florida ODs kill yet another not-a-doctor bill

Just 9 months after the governor’s veto of S.B. 230, legislators failed to continue the state’s ongoing ‘eyeball wars.’
AAO weighs in on Congress passing Medicare Physician Payment adjustment
Legal

AAO weighs in on Congress passing Medicare Physician Payment adjustment

Partial funding bill softens the original conversion factor decrease of 3.37% that took effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
South Dakota governor signs optometric scope of expansion bill
Legal

South Dakota governor signs optometric scope of expansion bill

Legislation permits ODs to perform certain advanced procedures; resolves IPL dispute.
FTC sends claim forms in LasikPlus provider settlement to consumers
Legal

FTC sends claim forms in LasikPlus provider settlement to consumers

Eligible consumers include those who were tricked by deceptive ‘bait-and-switch’ advertising for LASIK procedures.