Advocacy News

Just weeks into the new year, 11 states are considering dangerous optometric surgery bills.

Academy leaders have identified physician reimbursement challenges, prior authorization and step therapy relief, and Medicare Advantage reforms among the top federal advocacy priorities for 2026.

Academy advocacy helped stave off major cuts to key research programs and restored funding that had been eliminated for the Department of Defense Vision Research Program.

Congress targeted insurers' use of prior authorization and step therapy policies, putting a spotlight on the needs for congressional action to help relieve practice burdens.

The final coverage policies for medical botulinum toxin injections will go into effect Feb. 22.

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.