Advocacy News

Optometry supporters in South Carolina were able to get HB 4103 moved to a new committee in an effort for a more friendly audience.

K. David Epley, MD, chair of the Surgical Scope Fund Committee, talks about how you can make a difference with your state lawmakers.

Ophthalmologists should continue buying and billing for eye drugs the same way. If patients' out-of-pocket costs go down, the amount Medicare pays physicians will go up to match.

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) modified previous years' recommendations but still recognizes the need for an annual payment update.

Certain states are resuming legislative business in the second year of a two-year legislative session. These scope bills have rolled over into the new year.

Thanks to persistent Academy advocacy, CMS is keeping 2026 MIPS changes minimal while the IRIS Registry maintains its data registry status — protecting you from increased burden as you work to maximize your quality scores.

Stay updated with the latest information on threats to safe eye surgery in New Hampshire.

The court invalidated an optometry board rule granting optometrists authority to perform eyelid surgery, citing failure to follow required scope of practice review process.

Safe eye surgery could be challenged in as many as 34 states next year. That is two-thirds of the nation. See our map of states that are at risk in 2026 for dangerous scope of practice initiatives.

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.