Vision Council discusses legislative, regulatory issues with elected officials

The Vision Council held its annual Government and Regulatory Affairs Committee Capitol Hill Fly-In this week to better connect member companies and their elected officials.

The event included a day-long meeting of The Vision Council’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Committee and a full day of meetings with representatives and their offices, according to a press release from the group.

Discussions focused on Unique Device Identifier regulations, the ophthalmic lens exemption and status of an ophthalmic frame exemption, California Proposition 65 regulatory changes, BpA Safe Use Determination status, supporting the Pediatric Eye Exam benefit and Flexible Spending Accounts legislation, according to the press release. Notably, they also discussed the industry implications of tax reform efforts and potential trade issues.

Representatives from De Rigo REM, Enso Eyewear, Eschenbach Optik, Essilor, Eyewear Designs, FGX International, Marchon, National Vision, Inc., Safilo, VSP, Walman Optical and Walmart Optical were present at the event, according to the release.

Some political attendees included:

• Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.);

• Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.);

• Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-Calif.-29);

• Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.);

• Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.);

• Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-N.J.-11);

• Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.);

• Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.);

• Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.-09);

• Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.);

• Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.-28);

• Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.-06);

• Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.-09);

• Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.-3); and

• Rep. Rob Woodall (R-Ga.-07).

“Our annual Government and Regulatory Affairs Capitol Hill Fly-In allows us to bring together key members of Congress with representatives from organizations across the industry to advance the issues affecting our businesses,” Frederic Grethel, CEO of Enso Eyewear and chair of The Vision Council’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Committee, said in the release. “These meetings allow us to give our industry a voice on Capitol Hill.”