Optometry advocates meet with federal lawmakers to discuss policy, improve vision care
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Key takeaways:
- More than 500 optometry advocates attended AOA on Capitol Hill to bring attention to vision plan abuses and other federal priorities.
- Members of The Vision Council met with more than 20 congressional offices.
Earlier this month, members of the American Optometric Association and The Vision Council met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for federal policy reform and promote broad access to vison care, the organizations announced.
According to an AOA press release, lawmakers may soon be deciding on some of the issues discussed this year, making the timing of these meetings crucial. “That’s why it’s so important for us to be working together to advance these issues on Capitol Hill while lawmakers are still deciding what direction to go,” Deanna Alexander, OD, AOA’s federal relations committee chair, said in the release.
AOA on Capitol Hill
More than 500 optometry advocates attended this year’s AOA on Capitol Hill, April 14 to 16, and participated in more than 300 meetings with members of Congress.
A special policy briefing session, “PBMs, VBMs and Growing Momentum for Reform at the State and National Levels,” detailed how vision benefit manager (VBM) abuses are similar to those of pharmacy benefit managers (PBM), which currently have Congress’ attention, according to the release. Lawmakers have experienced continued pressure from advocacy groups like the AOA to enact federal and state legislation that will protect patients and doctors and curb abusive practices.
“The VBM industry is a bit different, but there are many analogies here, and many of the tools we’ve been able to utilize to protect patients and providers against PBMs can be applied here,” Dan Frier, Esq., a session panelist and co-founder of Frier Levitt law firm, said in the release.
Other issues brought to the attention of lawmakers included veterans’ access to eye care, Medicare payment reforms and a safer, simpler contact lens prescription verification system, the release stated.
Congressional Hill Fly-In
Members of The Vision Council also traveled to Capitol Hill for the 2024 Congressional Hill Fly-In, April 17 to 18, where they participated in educational sessions and met with more than 20 offices of policymakers, according to a council press release.
“The success of our 2024 Fly-In reflects the dedication and passion of our members and the vision community to drive positive, large-scale change,” Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council, said in the release. “Through constructive dialogue with key lawmakers, we’re shaping policies that not only bolster the optical industry but also enhance the daily lives of Americans. Together, we’re committed to ensuring better vision, better lives and brighter futures for all.”
According to the release, the council’s government and regulatory priorities include:
- Advocating for the creation of a comprehensive, fair and transparent exclusion process to allow member companies to request relief from all Section 301 tariffs on imports from China;
- Improving “Made in the USA” policies and making it easier for companies to utilize domestic production and advance the domestic supply chain; and
- Including vision care as part of broader health policy to advance new, innovative and cost-effective treatments for individuals, including policies that advance the use of telemedicine.
Reference:
- The Vision Council welcomes members to Washington, D.C., for Congressional Hill Day visits. https://thevisioncouncil.org/blog/vision-council-welcomes-members-washington-dc-congressional-hill-day-visits. Published April 23, 2024. Accessed April 24, 2024.
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