Regulatory/Legislative News

The American Optometric Association announced the launch of the AOA Health Policy Institute, a policy think tank to develop evidence-based research, analysis and solutions in health care policy.

WASHINGTON – “Optometry has made amazing progress due to the incredible advocacy work our members do in each of our states and here in D.C.,” Andrea P. Thau, OD, outgoing American Optometric Association president, told the AOA House of Delegates here at Optometry’s Meeting.

To coincide with the July publication of the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society’s Dry Eye Workshop II, July will be recognized as Dry Eye Awareness Month.

A marketing authorization application has been filed to the European Medicines Agency for the approval to market Durasert 3-year treatment for posterior segment uveitis, according to a pSivida press release.

More than 2,300 students of optometry participated in a rally on Capitol Hill yesterday to urge Congress to support the bi-partisan Dental and Optometric Care Access Act.

The FDA has approved the cryopreserved formulation of ReNeuron Group’s human retinal progenitor cell therapeutic candidate, according to a company press release.

Days before an expected vote, HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, said he has not seen the U.S. Senate bill to overhaul the nation’s health care system.

Prevent Blindness, along with 100 other eye health organizations, sent a letter to the U.S. Senate urging them to retain the Affordable Care Act’s definition of essential health benefits, which include coverage for children’s vision services and preventive health screenings.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the United Kingdom has issued a final appraisal determination recommending Ozurdex for the treatment of noninfectious posterior uveitis, according to an Allergan press release.

The FDA has granted 510(k) clearance for the Zepto capsulotomy system from Mynosys Cellular Devices for lens capsulotomy during cataract surgery, according to a press release.