Legal
FTC warns ECPs of legal action for potential Contact Lens Rule violations
Cease-and-desist letters have been sent to 24 practices across the U.S.
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.
Legal
Updated Eyeglass Rule officially takes effect
FTC implements changes to longstanding rule for optometrists and ophthalmologists intended to promote competition and consumer choices.
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.
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.
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.
Legal
FTC adds final compliance-targeted updates to Eyeglass Rule
Changes to longstanding rule intend to promote competition and consumer choices.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.’
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.
Legal
South Dakota governor signs optometric scope of expansion bill
Legislation permits ODs to perform certain advanced procedures; resolves IPL dispute.
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.
Legal
InMode investors asked to join class action lawsuit
Filed lawsuit alleges the company and certain executives were in violation of FDA regulations, among other accusations.
Legal
Bill seeks to improve medical device access for visually impaired
Introduced last month, bipartisan legislation proposes new federal standards for manufacturers of FDA-cleared devices.
Legal
California legislators kill OD bill seeking increased scope of practice (again)
Legislation would have enabled optometrists to perform advanced procedures.
Legal
AOA town hall addresses vision plan policy concerns and future advocacy initiatives
Virtual forum reveals ECPs' opinions on vision plan reforms as well as state and federal legislative updates.
Legal