Advocacy News

Academy-supported screenings help veterans and their families identify potentially serious eye conditions.

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.

The Department of Veteran Affairs’ new External Provider Scheduling cloud-based technology system allows VA schedulers to book approved appointments directly into community care program participants’ systems.

The only ophthalmologist in the House of Representatives spoke with us about her reelection campaign. You can support her through OPHTHPAC Direct.

There are more scope bills being considered than ever before, many allowing optometrists to perform surgery after a mere 32-hour training course.  

The heads of national veterans service organizations urged congressional action to protect veterans from unsafe surgical policies in two hearings this week.

Academy leaders have identified physician payment reform, reducing practice burdens, Medicare Advantage and Quality Performance Program issues, as well as military veterans’ eye care as some of our top federal advocacy priorities for 2025.

Ophthalmology’s top champion in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD, R-Iowa, urgently needs your support or she risks losing her reelection in what will prove to be a very close race.

New Jersey state Assemblyman and candidate for New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District, Herb Conaway, MD, issued a stark warning if Congress fails to address Medicare reimbursement cuts at the last OPHTHPAC speaker series event of the year.

The Academy has provided this service at the American Legion’s annual national convention for more than 20 years.