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Advocacy News

News and views on the regulatory, legislative, and political issues impacting ophthalmology in Washington, D.C., and around the United States

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New Hampshire State House
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Featured News

For the third straight year, New Hampshire ophthalmologists have successfully defended safe eye surgery.

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October 1, 2025
Academy Supports Physician Exemption From New Visa Program Fee
The Academy joined 60 medical organizations in urging the Department of Homeland Security to exempt international medical graduate physicians from the application fee.
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A doctor stands in front of a retinopathy screening machine
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September 24, 2025
Support for AI-Driven Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Advances in House

Ophthalmologist lawmaker Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD, helped secure language to promote expanded access to AI-driven eye screenings in federally qualified health centers and rural communities.

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September 3, 2025
House Subcommittee Advances Funding Bill Without Proposed NIH Overhaul

Academy advocacy to protect National Eye Institute (NEI) independence is having an impact with lawmakers. Join the fight today!

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Ophthalmologist R. Michael Siatkowski speaks with Senate Staff in the Dean McGee Eye Institute
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August 20, 2025
More Academy Members Respond to Call to Get Involved

More of your colleagues are stepping up to defend an independent National Eye Institute, inviting the office of Sens. Markwayne Mullin and James Lankford to the Dean McGee Eye Institute.

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July 23, 2025
Academy to Congress: Don’t Dismantle the National Eye Institute
The proposed NIH reorganization threatens sight-saving research — and the future of ophthalmology itself.
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May 21, 2025
Build Support for Bill to Help Kids With Congenital Cataracts

Help improve insurance coverage for children with congenital cataracts and other congenital abnormalities or birth defects.

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May 14, 2025
Academy to Congress: Preserve NEI’s Independence
The fight to protect the National Eye Institute’s independence is on. Read how the Academy is taking action.
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May 14, 2025
White House Issues Executive Order on Lowering Drug Prices
The order could tie U.S. prices to the lowest price paid by a select number of developed countries.
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May 1, 2025
West Virginia Optometric Scope Bill Becomes Law

A bill expanding optometric scope in West Virginia automatically became law on May 2 when Gov. Patrick Morrisey opted to neither sign nor veto this risk to patient safety.

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April 9, 2025
Minnesota Optometrists Seek Prescription Privileges
Stay updated with the latest information on threats to quality eye care in Minnesota.