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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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June 17, 2026
Advocacy at Home: August Recess 2026 Sign-Up Form

Congress heads home in August, and the timing could not be more important. Prior authorization reform and Medicare physician payment reform are both in play this fall — and constituent meetings during recess are one of the most effective ways to move legislators off the sidelines. The Academy will coordinate the meeting; you bring the message.

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A group of AAO members sit in an office talking during the Mid-Year Forum
April 14, 2026
Mid-Year Forum 2026 Live Coverage

Hundreds of ophthalmologists gather in Washington, D.C., for Mid-Year Forum 2026, April 15-18. Follow our ongoing coverage here.

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An illustration of the OPHTHPAC® March Mayhem bracket
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February 25, 2026
Join the OPHTHPAC® March Mayhem State Challenge

Advocacy wins don’t happen by accident — they happen because members like you step up. Make your OPHTHPAC contribution today to enter this spirited competition and help your state lead the nation in advocacy strength.

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December 10, 2025
Academy Seeks Meeting with CMS to Guide Future Medicare Policies
As the Academy fights to halt harmful Medicare policies, President Michal X. Repka sent a letter requesting a meeting with CMS leadership to get in front of future rulemaking and protect patient access to specialty care.
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December 3, 2025
How Two Controversial Medicare Policies Attack Surgical Care
The Academy’s team of health policy experts have analyzed finalized Medicare policies slated to begin Jan. 1, 2026, and outline the details of the most controversial policies. We are running out of time for Congress to act and stop these policies from harming your patients. Act today.
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A person dressed in a Halloween costume poses next to an inflatable eyeball
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October 29, 2025
Join Our ‘Spooktacular’ Halloween Costume Competition

As Halloween approaches, don’t ghost OPHTHPAC® this year! Contribute to OPHTHPAC today to join our inaugural “Spooktacular” Halloween costume competition. Submit costume photos of you, your family, colleagues, and pets in your spookiest Halloween attire!

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Congressional Representative and Ophthalmologist Kelly Morrison
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September 24, 2025
OPHTHPAC Members Hear from Physician Member of Congress at Virtual Speaker Series Event

Rep. Kelly Morrison, MD, D-Minn. spoke at OPHTHPAC®’s quarterly speaker series event, where she discussed Medicare reimbursement, scope of practice, and vision research funding.

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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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An exterior shot of a building with a sign that reads "Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services"
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September 17, 2025
Academy Pushes Back on CMS’ Harmful Proposals in Formal Comments

Drawing on member feedback, our formal comments detail how CMS’ proposals would disrupt surgical eye care, reduce practice stability, and threaten patient access.

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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!