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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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Advocacy Issues
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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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October 1, 2025
New Medicare Coverage Policies for Botulinum Toxin Injections Released
Novitas Solutions (Novitas) and First Coast Service Options (First Coast) cover 14 states and three regions, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
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September 24, 2025
Academy Opposes New Prior Authorization Demo for ASCs
What you need to know about CMS’ plan to expand prior authorization for some ambulatory surgical center services in 10 states.
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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 9, 2025
Advocacy Works: Humana Removes Ophthalmologists From Downcoding Program
Responding to our members, the Academy worked for months to secure this change to protect your time and the financial stability of your practice.
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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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August 17, 2025
CMS Proposes Misguided Practice Expense Reductions in Draft 2026 Physican Fee Schedule
The Academy is concerned the proposed indirect practice expense reduction policy could accelerate health care consolidation across specialties. Here's what's at stake and how we're responding.