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Your Voice Shapes the Future of Eye Care

Stand with fellow ophthalmologists to protect our patients and our profession.

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    Our Issues

    Stay informed on the most pressing issues affecting ophthalmology, and how we’re fighting back.

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    Take Action

    Join your colleagues in making ophthalmologists' voices heard at the state and federal levels.

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    Support Your Profession

    Protect your patients and profession by investing in critical Advocacy funds.

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Latest Advocacy News

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Member exclusive
Ophthalmologist Raj Maturi, MD, with a patient in his clinic.
July 14, 2026

2027 Fee Schedule Proposes Cutting Pay to Physicians by 1.68%

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2027. Here are the highlights based on the Academy’s analysis. The Academy will work with our advocacy partners to ensure finalized policies support our members and their patients.

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Member exclusive
Advocacy Booth 2025

Advocacy at AAO 2026

AAO 2026 is a great time to delve into the Academy's advocacy efforts and meet those who are making a difference in federal and state legislation. Whether you stop by the OPHTHPAC® and Safe Surgery Action Fund (formerly the Surgical Scope Fund) booths to learn about our work, join us at our reception, or attend one of our advocacy sessions, we’re looking forward to seeing you this year in New Orleans. All sessions are in Central Time.

Member exclusive
Pediatric ophthalmologist David Ramirez, MD, examines a young patient

Overwhelming Support for ELSA Legislation

Academy members sent a resounding message to Congress last week: You sent about 500 letters to lawmakers urging them to support the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act.

Member exclusive
Pediatric ophthalmologist David Ramirez, MD, treats patients with congenital cataracts

Join in ELSA Week of Action

 As part of the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) Week of Action, the Academy and American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS), in partnership with the ELSA Coalition, are contacting members of Congress and encouraging action in support of ELSA.

Our Advocacy Impact

Through legislative, regulatory, and coalition advocacy, the Academy and its members deliver results that protect ophthalmologists, their practices, and the patients who depend on them.

Learn More About Our Impact
OPHTHPAC
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$896 million
Secured for the National Eye Institute (NEI) — and its independence preserved, derailing consolidation proposals.
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1.8 million
wrongfully denied claims reprocessed after Academy advocacy held Humana accountable.
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90%
win rate for patient safety in state scope of practice battles, thanks to donor support for the Safe Surgery Action Fund (formerly the Surgical Scope Fund).

Tell Congress to Reduce Step Therapy Burdens

Send a letter to your lawmakers urging them to support the Safe Step Act and other efforts to reduce step therapy burdens that impact patient access to care.

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Join Us in Protecting the Future of Eye Care

Every contribution strengthens our impact.

Ophthalmologists advocating for their profession on Capitol Hill

OPHTHPAC

The Academy’s political action committee, OPHTHPAC, advocates at the federal level for our members and the patients they treat on critical issues affecting ophthalmology.
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Surgical Scope Fund

Safe Surgery Action Fund

Help derail dangerous scope of practice expansion initiatives that endanger patients by supporting the Safe Surgery Action Fund (formerly Surgical Scope Fund).
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Contact Governmental Affairs

General Questions or Inquiries

American Academy of Ophthalmology
Governmental Affairs Division
20 F St., NW
Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20001-6701

Phone
+1 202-737-6662
Fax
202-737-7061
Specific Questions