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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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Member exclusive
Same Day Care Coalition

Academy Joins Coalition Pushing Back on Modifier -25 Proposal

The Academy is now part of a coalition fighting against a proposed CMS policy that could reduce payments for some services by as much as 50%.

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Make Your Voice Heard: Comment on the 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

The draft 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule has been released, and comments on it are due to CMS by Sept. 14. Join the Academy in making your voice heard. See what's at stake for ophthalmology.

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.

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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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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