July 12, 2017
Kenneth Daniels, OD, FAAO, Dipl., ABO, and Dave Anderson, OD, offer insights at this year’s AOA Optometry’s Meeting in Washington, DC, on how to protect and expand optometry’s scope of practice. They urge ODs to get involved by joining their state associations, engage in the legislative process and continually advocate for the profession by educating the public on what ODs provide. Rather than complain about being restricted in practice, they say, join in the effort to define the profession’s future.
Defend and Expand Scope of Care |
Engage in the Legislative Process & Educate |
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DON’T COMPLAIN; GET INVOLVED. Take a proactive role and join your state optometric associations, network with other ODs and engage with state and national legislators. EDUCATE. Let your community and other health-care providers know the full scope of what you do, including the preventative health care you make possible. EMPHASIZE BENEFIT TO PATIENTS. Stress to legislators how the services you provide greatly benefit the people who comprise their constituency.
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ADVOCATE FOR COMPREHENSIVE EYE CARE. Educate the public and legislators on how refraction shouldn’t be separated from a medical eye exam. Point out the eye and systemic diseases that a routine comprehensive exam can detect. DEMONSTRATE ROLE IN PEDIATRIC CARE. Explain to legislators how annual eye exams can positively impact children’s performance at school by addressing vision issues that might limit a child’s early development. GET INVOLVED EARLY. While a student, join optometric student associations, then transition to AOA membership early in your career. Learn how legislation affects what you do, and how you can help to determine your own future.
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Kenneth Daniels, OD, FAAO, Dipl. ABO, is owner of See Life – Hopewell & Lambertville Eye Associates in Hopewell and Lambertville, N.J. To contact: kennethdaniels@att.net
Dave Anderson, OD, is a partner with Miamisburg Vision Care in Miamisburg, Ohio. To contact: doca@burgvision.com
