Advocacy Starts With You

Advocacy isn't static. It's constantly evolving with shifting positions, evolving issues and a revolving door of stakeholders with whom to engage. 

There is a constant to successful advocacy, though. It requires committed practitioners, willing champions and earnest participation. Successful advocacy needs people. Our advocacy needs you.

Fortunately, our Academy gives ophthalmologists all the tools needed for successful advocacy. Whether you participate in person or provide financial support to our cause, you have everything you need to make an impact on ophthalmology's behalf.

Participate in the Academy's Mid-Year Forum

The Academy's annual gathering in Washington, D.C., is ground zero for learning how politics, practice management and policy form the cornerstones of the business of our profession. This is your best opportunity to evolve from a good advocate for our profession into a superior voice for our patients’ needs. It will enhance your ability to speak on your patients’ behalf by running a well-managed practice.

Plan to be there! Mid-Year Forum 2019 will be April 10 to 13 in Washington, D.C.

Take Part in Congressional Advocacy Day

Held in conjunction with the Academy's Mid-Year Forum, Congressional Advocacy Day is our profession showing strength in numbers. We visit our elected lawmakers in person in the halls of the U.S. Congress. We impart to members of the House of Representatives, Senate and their staff the importance of quality eye care in the United States. This is a rare opportunity to engage our leaders in person, and alongside our fellow ophthalmologists. Many legislative battles are won because of the relationships and conversations that are cultivated during Congressional Advocacy Day.

Engage Locally

An hour at your practice, ambulatory surgery center or academic setting gives our elected leaders the solid foundation they need to understand issues critical to our patients and profession. All it takes is a phone call to their scheduler to set up a meeting with members of Congress when they're back in their home states and communities.

Invest in OPHTHPAC

OPHTHPAC is the Academy's political action committee for federal advocacy. Your investment helps us form and sustain important relationships in Congress. These relationships are critical when the Academy needs immediate access to lawmakers to ensure that our position is heard on the day's important issues.

Contribute to the Academy's Surgical Scope Fund

Ophthalmologist nationwide are waging a high-stakes battle to preserve patient safety in surgery. Every state that faces an optometric scope-expansion can rely on the Academy's Surgical Scope Fund for resources and staff expertise that can help ensure the highest surgical standards. Your Surgical Scope Fund contribution is 100 percent confidential.

Rely on Your Academy as a Trusted Information Source 

Visit aao.org/advocacy regularly to remain up-to-date on the latest advocacy and policy developments. And read Washington Report Express, our weekly member newsletter, to get ophthalmology's best analysis of the issues that matter most to our profession.