news

February 26, 2025

DOC Access Act reintroduced amid growing Capitol Hill vigor for VBM reform

The bipartisan Dental and Optometric Care Access (DOC Access) Act takes on the abusive practices by Vision Benefit Managers and seeks rebalance in relationship between plans, patients and their doctors.

February 20, 2025

Case study: When doctor burnout becomes an ethical issue

The AOA Ethics and Values Committee has a new case study on doctor burnout and its potential impact on patient care.

February 13, 2025

When to consider referring for low-vision rehabilitation

This Low Vision Awareness Month—and year-round—know when to refer, how to find the right provider and other considerations to help patients maintain their quality of life.

January 29, 2025

The role of sex hormones and aging in dry eye disease

Anna Tichenor, O.D., Ph.D., Indiana University School of Optometry, is the recipient of the 2024 AOA Investigator Initiated Research Award. The award is designed to inspire future research.

January 16, 2025

How to avert an eye care crisis

A noted author and lecturer is sounding the alarm over the growing gap between the demand for eye care services and the declining number of ophthalmologists.

December 12, 2024

Benefits of regular comprehensive eye exams reinforced in analysis of military exams

The cost-benefit analysis, conducted by a national nonprofit research group, found comprehensive eye exams for all service members more cost-effective relative to basic acuity screenings.

December 10, 2024

Identifying reading difficulties in children

How to differentiate between various visual problems and provide timely and effective intervention.

November 2, 2023

No letting up on Eyeglass Rule advocacy

In a recent one-on-one conversation with Federal Trade Commission staff, the AOA again urges the agency to reconsider a proposal requiring patients to sign forms attesting that they have received copies of their eyeglass prescriptions.

January 26, 2023

FTC announces proposed ban on noncompete clauses

January 1, 2022

New laws in effect for 2022 -per the COA's update:

All health care providers are required to send medication prescriptions to the pharmacy electronically as of January 1, 2022.
The maximum fine for violating the laws for out-of-state ophthalmic lens sellers increases next year from $2,500 to $35,000 (AB 1534). Click here to complain to the state about illegal contact lens sales. Also, share your story here.
An optometrist may not knowingly provide optometric services to any patient who scheduled their appointment through any individual, corporation, or firm engaged in the business of filling prescriptions that is not properly registered with the State Board of Optometry (AB 1534).
An optometrist may not knowingly lease space from any individual, corporation, or firm engaged in the business of filling prescriptions that is not properly registered with the State Board of Optometry (AB 1534).
An optometrist may not sell medication directly to patients [B&P 3041 (h)].
Optometrists must post a sign in the office letting patients know where to file a complaint.