Power Hour Optometry: AOA's Latest Battle For Optometry – What’s Changing & What’s at Risk
Episode Release Date: March 19, 2025
Host: Eugene Shotsman
Guests: Dr. Steven Reed (AOA President) and Dr. Jackie Bowen (AOA President-Elect)
Introduction
In the March 19, 2025 episode of Power Hour Optometry, host Eugene Shotsman delves into the pivotal role of the American Optometric Association (AOA) in shaping the optometric landscape. Featuring insights from Dr. Steven Reed, the current AOA President, and Dr. Jackie Bowen, the AOA President-Elect, the discussion centers on legislative battles, advocacy efforts, and the critical initiatives the AOA is spearheading to protect and advance the optometric profession.
Understanding the AOA: Mission and Impact
Dr. Steven Reed begins by demystifying the AOA, emphasizing its volunteer-driven nature.
“Quite simply, we are a group of volunteers. We work together for the benefit of not only our members but the entire profession, even if you're not a member.” [02:50]
The AOA's mission is twofold:
- Advocacy for the Profession: Protecting and promoting optometry, fighting against detrimental policies.
- Serving Members: Providing resources and support to meet eye and healthcare needs, underscoring comprehensive eye examinations as integral to overall health.
Dr. Jackie Bowen adds depth by highlighting the extensive volunteer commitment, noting over 300 doctors actively contributing to the AOA’s initiatives.
“It takes a large number of people to keep this train rolling.” [04:32]
Legislative Advocacy: Wins and Ongoing Battles
Medicare Reimbursement and Vision Plan Reform
A significant focus of the AOA's advocacy is combating annual attempts by Congress to cut Medicare reimbursements—a recurring threat to optometric practices.
“Every single year Congress wants to cut Medicare reimbursement.” [05:14]
To address this, the AOA employs a seven-pronged approach, ensuring member concerns are heard and addressed effectively. Notably, the Stop Plan Abuses initiative has reclaimed approximately $3 million for doctors by contesting unjustified claim denials.
“We have brought back in almost $3 million to doctors' offices as a result.” [08:37]
State-Level Success: Arkansas Vision Plan Legislation
Dr. Jackie Bowen celebrates recent legislative victories, particularly in Arkansas, where new laws mandate that vision and medical plan reimbursements align with Medicare standards.
“All vision plans... have to be commensurate with Medicare reimbursement.” [10:27]
This success not only secures fair compensation but also challenges the influence of organizations like the National Association of Vision Care Plans (NAVCP), revealing their questionable stances during the legislative process.
VA Optometrists’ Pay Scale Enhancement
Another landmark achievement discussed is the overhaul of the VA optometrists' pay scale, elevating their status to match that of MDs and other medical professionals.
“As of January, a law was signed... now they are.” [14:18]
This not only rectifies past disparities but also strengthens the professional standing of optometrists nationwide, providing ammunition against "not a doctor" bills and supporting scope expansion efforts.
The Threat of "Not a Doctor" Bills
Dr. Bowen elaborates on the concerning trend of legislative attempts to diminish the professional status of optometrists by prohibiting the use of titles like "eye doctor."
“In eight states right now, there are bills... optometrists would not be called eye doctors.” [16:05]
These "not a doctor" bills serve as a defensive ploy to distract from more substantive legislative agendas, forcing the AOA to divert resources to counteract these unfounded attacks rather than advancing proactive initiatives.
Scope Expansion: Current Successes and Future Goals
Dr. Reed highlights the AOA's ongoing efforts to expand the scope of optometry practice, particularly in laser procedures. With 12-14 states actively pursuing meaningful scope expansions, including recent successes in Mississippi and Colorado, the AOA is ensuring optometrists can practice to the full extent of their training.
“We have 12, maybe 13, 14 states that are going for meaningful scope expansion.” [17:56]
Dr. Bowen underscores the critical importance of scope expansion in addressing the rising demand for eye care:
“The need for eye care in this country over the next 10 years is expanding rapidly. We need optometrists to take care of patients in our practices.” [19:29]
Personal Journeys: Commitment to Advocacy
Both Dr. Bowen and Dr. Reed share their personal motivations for volunteering with the AOA, emphasizing a collective responsibility to enhance the profession and support fellow optometrists.
Dr. Bowen recounts overcoming personal hardships supported by the optometric community, fueling her dedication:
“It's about answering a question to serve.” [22:42]
Dr. Reed reflects on his early experiences with the AOA during his education, reinforcing the importance of proactive involvement:
“If I'm going to choose to do something rather than complain about it, I want to be part of the solution.” [27:45]
AOA Initiatives: Driving Growth and Excellence
I Deserve More Campaign
Aimed at educating the public about the necessity of comprehensive eye exams as part of overall health care, the I Deserve More campaign targets specific communities, such as avid gamers, to promote regular eye examinations.
“We want to highlight the importance and the need to have a comprehensive eye examination by an AOA doctor of optometry on a yearly schedule.” [34:45]
Doctor Locator and Paracertification Program
The AOA offers tools like the Doctor Locator, facilitating patient access to AOA members, and the Paracertification Program, which trains support staff to enhance practice efficiency and patient care.
“Our doctor Locator is located on our website... have a certified para, they feel more valuable on the team.” [34:45]
“We offer a paracertification program... it is so worth it.” [38:30]
Benefits of AOA Membership: Higher Income and Networking
AOA members report an average 13% higher income compared to non-members, attributed to:
- Access to Resources: Training, certification, and practice management tools.
- Networking Opportunities: Connecting with thought leaders and fellow optometrists.
- Advocacy Support: Effective representation in legislative matters.
Dr. Bowen emphasizes the collective expertise available to members:
“All of the thought leaders... are all AOA members. You're going to get all of that expertise in one bundle.” [39:18]
Dr. Reed adds that during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, AOA membership provided critical support and resources:
“If it hadn't been for AOA, we would not have even been a part of that program.” [41:04]
The Essential Role of AOA: A Hypothetical Without It
When posed with the scenario of the AOA ceasing to exist, both Dr. Bowen and Dr. Reed paint a bleak picture for the profession.
Dr. Bowen envisions optometrists reduced to "glorified technicians" within ophthalmology practices, lacking autonomy and professional recognition.
“We would be glorified technicians inside ophthalmology practices...” [42:09]
Dr. Reed warns that without AOA advocacy, scope expansion laws would retract, reimbursements would decline, and the profession could falter within a year.
“If all of a sudden tomorrow AOA is gone, I don't think our profession would last more than a year.” [43:27]
Call to Action: Getting Involved with AOA
Both guests urge optometrists to join and actively participate in the AOA to sustain and advance the profession.
Dr. Bowen encourages even non-active members to join as a foundational step:
“If you're not a member, go to aoa.org... even if all you do is become a member, that is a huge step.” [44:54]
Dr. Reed highlights the value of being part of a solution-oriented community:
“If I'm going to choose to do something rather than complain about it, I want to be part of the solution.” [27:45]
Conclusion
The episode underscores the indispensable role of the AOA in safeguarding the interests of optometrists, advocating for legislative changes, and providing invaluable resources to enhance practice efficiency and member income. The heartfelt testimonials of Dr. Bowen and Dr. Reed reinforce the collective strength and resilience of the optometric community, highlighting the critical need for continued involvement and support of the AOA to ensure the profession's thriving future.
Listeners are encouraged to join the AOA, engage in its initiatives, and contribute to the ongoing efforts to elevate and protect the field of optometry.