Regulatory/Legislative News

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.

Alcon Laboratories Inc. submitted a written statement to the Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust Competition Policy and Consumer Rights regarding its unilateral pricing policy, explaining its rationale and anticipated benefits.

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

To retain more optometrists in state, North Carolina needs to evaluate the feasibility of establishing an optometry school, according to the state’s Legislative Research Commission's Committee on Health Care Provider Practice Sustainability and Training/Additional Transparency in Health Care.

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

The Danish Health and Medicines Authority has granted marketing approval of Iluvien for the treatment of vision impairment associated with chronic diabetic macular edema, according to an Alimera press release.

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.

After a November 2013 ruling that declared insurance company Spectera’s agreement with optometrists in violation of Georgia law, other insurance companies have changed their polices, according to an optometrist who practices in the state.

To the Editor:

Legislatures in both Vermont and Kansas passed bills recently that refine the relationship between vision and health plans and ensure equal treatment for optometry and ophthalmology.