- Organizations: American Optometric Association
Legal
Illinois passes new OD protections against VBMs
Expansion of the state’s 2023 Vision Care Plan Regulation Act, SB 3070 enacts new protections for ECPs and patients—plus greater vision benefit flexibility.
Legal
Connecticut ODs win Medicaid pay parity with ophthalmology
New state law raises reimbursement payments to an additional 2.27M for ODs performing four specific high-volume optometric services.
Business
Leadership watch: Optos, Bascom Palmer, and AOA share updates
Leadership changes are underway in the eyecare space—and we’ve got the latest.
Legal
Vermont passes bill authorizing optometric laser procedures
Effective in 2028, legislation permits several in-office ophthalmic laser surgeries—plus establishes training, education, and State Board requirements.
Events
Optometry's Meeting 2026: Show floor highlights and key industry takeaways
The AOA and AOSA’s annual meeting saw its highest attendance record in years as thousands flocked to Phoenix, Arizona.
Events
The Myopia Collective adds Student Change Agent advocates to nationwide initiative
Students from the nation's top optometry school join a new cohort of Change Agents as TMC hosts first-ever Day of Advocacy during Optometry's Meeting.
Legal
Texas court blocks vision plan law limiting VBMs
District judge strikes down a permanent injunction against House Bill 1696, which restricted vision plans’ power over ODs and patients.
Products
Automated vision-testing kiosks face concerns amid national expansion
With Eyebot’s 90-second vision tests rolling out across the country, the AOA is voicing words of caution over the self-administered kiosks.
Legal
VA optometrists secure physician-level pay parity
Reform bill changes include increased pay awards, bonuses, and annual evaluations to help close current OD recruitment and retention gap.
Business
AOAExcel endorses VisionHQ's in-office patient membership plans
Platform offers optometric practices in-house, customizable membership and subscription plans in lieu of traditional vision insurance for patients.
Legal
National eyecare organizations launch campaign against NEI consolidation
#SeeWhatMatters initiative is a call to action against the proposed restructuring of the National Eye Institute and federal cuts in vision research funding.
Legal
Minnesota passes OD scope of practice expansion legislation
First new scope update in over two decades permits optometrists to administer some in-office injections and removes restrictions on several prescribing capabilities.
Business
AOA inducts new leadership during 2025 Optometry's Meeting
Vowing pushback against vision plan abuses, Jacquie M. Bowen, OD, is named president as the 2025-2026 AOA Board of Trustees are inducted.
Research
AOA report analyzes ocular risks of GLP-1RAs
Released during the 2025 Optometry’s Meeting, this comprehensive rundown dives into potential rare ophthalmic side effects associated with use—and offers clinical care recommendations.
Legal
West Virginia OD bill to permit use of ophthalmic lasers
Effective July 9, Senate Bill 565 will expand optometrists’ scope of practice to enable three specific in-office procedures.
Legal
New North Dakota bill establishes optometric telemedicine guidelines
Legislation prioritizes patient safety and increased access to standardized virtual care across the state.
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.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.
Business
AOAExcel endorses Barti Software in first-ever eyecare EHR investment
Platform targets increased practice efficiency via quicker reimbursements and AI-enabled capabilities like real-time charting and appointment scheduling.
Events