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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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.
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 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 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.
Stay updated with the latest information on threats to quality eye care in Minnesota.
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March 19, 2025
Vision Screening Resolution Advances in Georgia House of Representatives
Georgia House lawmakers passed a nonbinding resolution urging the state’s Departments of Education and Public Health to work together to establish vision and hearing screening programs for school-aged children.
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March 12, 2025
Record Wave of Optometric Surgery Bills Threatens Patient Safety in 2025
There are more scope bills being considered than ever before, many allowing optometrists to perform surgery after a mere 32-hour training course.
We acted following member reports of claim denials for dual administration of geographic atrophy and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs.
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November 13, 2024
Ophthalmology Calls for Step Therapy Pause for Repackaged Avastin During Supply Chain Disruption
CMS signaled a willingness to review the request in its Nov. 12 meeting with the Academy and the American Society of Retina Specialists.
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October 30, 2024
Academy Urges Insurers to Suspend Step Therapy Due to Potential Avastin Supply Issues
The Academy urged large commercial insurers and Medicare Advantage plans to suspend anti-VEGF step therapy requirements in response to Pine Pharmaceuticals discontinuation of repackaged Avastin (bevacizumab).
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October 14, 2024
Pine Pharmaceuticals Discontinues Avastin and Other Ophthalmic Product Manufacturing
The Academy is engaging with alternative suppliers and pushing CMS to intervene on Medicare Advantage plan step therapy requirements for Avastin.