In a powerful demonstration of dedication to Spectacle and Contact Lens Opticians and related ophthalmic professionals, United Opticians Association (UOA), through its Chief Executive Officer and Director of Government Relations, James M. Morris, JD, MPA, has engaged in extensive discussions with more than 110 U.S. Senators and Congressional Representatives over the course of the past year, in order to advocate for legislative initiatives and reforms that will benefit opticians nationwide.
During these crucial meetings, UOA has been able to focus legislators on key issues impacting Spectacle and Contact Lens Opticians, including increased patient access to quality vision care, inclusion of opticians in key regulatory and legislative efforts, and recognizing the vital role that opticians play in delivering essential eye care services to patients throughout the United States.
UOA has also addressed the importance of expanding access to affordable eyecare, by encouraging the inclusion of certified and/or licensed opticians in the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act. This act would require private medical insurance companies to provide vision-related, birth-defect-related treatment. It will be reintroduced by Rep. Eshoo on November 1, 2024, based on UOA’s encouragement.
In addition, UOA has advocated for more extensive discussion regarding the inclusion of certified and/or licensed opticians in the Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act. If adopted, this act would benefit opticians by mandating vision care coverage and establishing competency standards for opticians for all Medicare beneficiaries. Finally, UOA has been diligently working to promote the updating of regulations to include expanded coverage of opticianry-related care and treatment under the Veterans Affairs, Medicaid, and other federal programs.
By ensuring opticians are recognized providers in these federal programs, the UOA aims to expand patient access to comprehensive vision care, improving outcomes and affordability. Jim emphasized that recognizing opticians in these programs is a crucial step towards fully integrating the opticianry profession into the national healthcare system. The response from lawmakers has been extremely encouraging. Many lawmakers have expressed a genuine understanding of the critical role that competent opticians serve in the healthcare system and have shown an interest in exploring policy changes to support and enhance the opticianry profession.
Stay involved and informed as the UOA continues to advocate for the interests of Spectacle and Contact Lens Opticians at the national level. Your support is vital as we work towards positive changes in federal policies that will shape the future of the opticianry profession and improve access to competent vision care for all.
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Becoming a UOA member offers you a powerful voice in shaping the future of our profession.
Your membership helps strengthen advocacy efforts, ensuring better regulatory support and opportunities for opticians around the world.
