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Drugs

From biosimilars to drug shortages, policies governing ophthalmic medications affect patient access to sight-saving treatments and the financial health of your practice.

An ophthalmologist administers an eye injection

The medications ophthalmologists rely on — anti-VEGF injections, eyedrops, compounded drugs, and emerging biologics — sit at the intersection of science, regulation, and policy. Decisions made by the FDA, CMS, Congress, and state legislatures directly determine which treatments are available to patients, how much they cost, and whether they can be reliably obtained. 

The Academy advocates across the full range of drug-related policy issues: expanding access to lower-cost biosimilars and compounded medicines, reducing unnecessary drug waste, protecting patients' ability to refill prescriptions before they run out, and addressing the drug shortages that threaten continuity of care. When policies are working against patients and physicians, the Academy acts — through rulemaking comments, coalition advocacy, American Medical Association (AMA) policy, and direct congressional engagement. 

Biosimilars in Ophthalmologic Practice

The Academy supports FDA-approved biosimilars for ophthalmic use, while opposing insurer mandates for biosimilar therapies without an approved ophthalmic indication.

Compounded Medicines

Ophthalmologists depend on access to compounded and repackaged medications to deliver timely, affordable, sight-saving care to their patients. But evolving federal regulations threaten to limit that access.

Topical Drug Waste

Wasteful use of ophthalmic surgical medications drives up costs for patients and practices and contributes to drug shortages and pollution.

Drug Shortages

Ophthalmology's reliance on generic drugs and single-source suppliers leaves the specialty uniquely vulnerable to supply disruptions that can delay care and harm patients.

Early Eyedrop Refills

Prescription eyedrop laws often prevent patients from refilling their medications when needed, threatening treatment adherence and vision outcomes.

FDA & Tech Innovation

The Academy supports policies that promote the timely, safe development and FDA approval of innovative drugs, devices, and technologies that preserve and restore vision.

Protect Drug Access for Your Patients

Drug shortages, pricing barriers, and restrictive policies threaten access to care. Stay informed, report shortages, and engage lawmakers to help protect patient access.

Report a Drug Shortage

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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.

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CMS Proposes Adverse Changes to Payments for E/M Visits Billed With Global Procedures

The Academy will be advocating against a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' proposal on evaluation and management (E/M) visits that inappropriately reduces reimbursement and puts patient care and practice viability at risk. 

Member exclusive
Ophthalmologist Jeffrey Carlisle, MD, and team

CMS Proposes Significant MIPS Changes in 2027 Fee Schedule

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed 2027 rule would sunset Traditional MIPS, mandate MVP reporting, and add a core measure requirement. Here's what you need to know.

Our Advocacy in Action

The Academy advocates across the full spectrum of drug policy — from reducing operating room waste to securing biosimilar access — to protect patients and practices from the consequences of poor federal and state drug policy.

Learn More About Our Impact
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50
state ophthalmological societies endorsed the Academy's multi-society drug waste position paper.
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26+
states have enacted eyedrop refill laws allowing patients to refill prescriptions before they run out.
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All of Medicine
The Academy secured AMA adoption of drug waste reduction policy, helping address ophthalmic waste as a driver of drug shortages.

Join Us in Protecting the Future of Eye Care

Every contribution strengthens our impact.

Ophthalmologists advocating on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

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

Help derail dangerous scope of practice expansion initiatives at the state level that put patient safety at risk by supporting the Surgical Scope Fund.
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