Top 6 stories from organized optometry

The optometric industry’s associations have been busy the past 2 weeks, as evidenced by Healio’s recent headlines. The groups have named executives, tackled continuing education and met with leaders in Washington.

FDA, ophthalmic organizations to sponsor microbiology workshop

The Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health, the American Academy of Optometry, the American Optometric Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Contact Lens Association of Optometrists will co-sponsor a contact lens microbiology workshop, according to a press release from the American Academy of Optometry.

ACOE authorizes Virginia optometry school to move toward accreditation

The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education has designated Emory & Henry College as a "stage one applicant," according to a press release from the college.

AOA president: Optometry needs independent CE accrediting body

The American Optometric Association has called for optometry to work toward an independent continuing education accrediting body.

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Senate subcommittee examines new pricing policies for contact lenses

The Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust Competition Policy and Consumer Rights held a hearing July 30 to explore contact lens pricing strategies initiated recently by contact lens manufacturers that would affect retail price competition, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) said as she presided over the proceedings.

Optometry union takes vision plan antitrust complaints to DOJ

The Union of American Eye Care Providers, which is operated by the American Association of Doctors of Optometry, has initiated an antitrust complaint against vision care plans, according to a press release from the organization.

AOA appoints new executive directors

The Board of Trustees of the American Optometric Association announced in a press release that it has named Jon Hymes as its new executive director.