TAOP (Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians)

03/05/2026

We are closer than ever to expanding the Tennessee Optometric Practice Act, and your voice matters in this final push.

Please join us on March 11, 2026 for our Third Day on the Hill as we continue to meet with Legislators about SB2076/HB1952 to keep the Optometric Practice Act top of mind and help support passage of this bill.

Additionally, you can help support the advocacy work of TAOP by contributing to TOPAC, our political action committee. Every contribution strengthens our voice in the State Capitol.

To register for our March 11th Day on the Hill and contribute to TOPAC please visit the link in the comments.

03/02/2026

Doctors of Optometry serve patients in 78 of Tennessee's 95 counties, providing quality care to 96 percent of the state’s population. Senate Bill 2076/House Bill 1952 would improve Tennessean's access to quality eye care by allowing Doctors of Optometry to perform three, safe in-office laser procedures to restore and protect a patient's vision. These three procedures are taught in every optometry school in the nation and are performed safely by optometrists in 15 other states, four of which directly border Tennessee. It's time Tennesseans enjoy more opportunities for quality eye care closer to home.

02/27/2026

SB2076/HB1952 to modernize the Tennessee Optometry Act recently took a great step forward passing out of the Senate Health Committee with a vote of 8-1. We're proud of our members who testified and look forward to continuing conversations with legislators about this important legislation to provide Tennesseans with greater access to safe eye care, and keep Tennessee's best and brightest optometry students here to practice.

02/23/2026

SB2076/HB1952 Successfully Passes Out of Senate Health Committee

Our bill to modernize Tennessee’s Optometry Practice Act (SB2076/HB1952) took a great step forward last week, passing out of the Senate Health committee on Wednesday.

Drs. David Hall (Southern College of Optometry), Frances Bynum (Martin), Connor Kapperman (Chattanooga) and Reed Parker (Knoxville) represented TAOP brilliantly in front of the committee, and we are grateful for their leadership. To hear discussion of our bill in the Senate Health Committee, click on the link in the comments and go to minute 37.

The bill, which allows Doctors of Optometry to perform to the full extent of their education and training, must still be heard by House Health Sub Committee, full House Health Committee and by both the full House and Senate. No dates for these votes have been set yet.

When we have dates, we will reach out with additional details and ways you can connect with your state Representative(s) and Senator(s) to show your support. We appreciate everyone’s interest in and support for this critical piece of legislation and being part of the legislative process.

Additionally, you can help support the advocacy work of TAOP by contributing to TOPAC, our political action committee. Every contribution strengthens our voice in the State Capitol.

Until then, please join us on March 11, 2026 for our Second Day on the Hill as we continue to meet with Legislators to keep the Optometric Practice Act top of mind and help support passage of this bill.

To donate to TOPAC and Register for our March 11th Day on the Hill please visit tennessee.aoa.org

02/23/2026

Peak performance isn’t just for athletes.

Whether you’re training for a season or taking on everyday life, clear vision plays an important role. Comprehensive eye exams with a doctor of optometry help support focus, reaction time, and performance on and off the field this spring.

Find one near you here: https://bit.ly/3ODrhu5

02/18/2026

Published February 15, 2026 Out of the Shadows A stalwart refractive error detector, retinoscopy has a reputation for being intimidating and hopelessly old-school. Here’s why it still matters. By Pamela H. Schnell, OD, Marc B. Taub, OD, MS, EdD Retinoscopy—the word alone is enough to bring some ...

02/16/2026

02/14/2026

Warmer Weather Is Coming. Are You Registered?

Join us for our annual Spring CE in Destin, FL from May 7-10. Spots are limited, so make sure to secure yours soon!

Register today at tennessee.aoa.org

02/11/2026

A great turnout by our TAOP members who traveled to Nashville from across the state for our February Day on the Hill! We appreciate all of the Legislators that took time to meet with our physicians to discuss the benefits of modernizing the TN Optometry Practice Act, HB1952/SB2076).

02/09/2026

02/02/2026

We're excited about Tennessee House Bill 1952/ Senate Bill 2076, which would allow Doctors of Optometry to perform three safe, in-office laser procedures, improving access to quality eye care for all Tennesseans, providing continuity of care, and keeping Optometry graduates in Tennessee to practice.

For more information visit https://trustedeyecaretn.com/.

02/02/2026

We're excited about Tennessee House Bill 1952/ Senate Bill 2076, which would allow Doctors of Optometry to perform three safe, in-office laser procedures, improving access to quality eye care for all Tennesseans, providing continuity of care, and keeping Optometry graduates in Tennessee to practice.

Please join us on February 10th, 2026 as we continue to meet with legislators and keep the Optometric Practice Act top of mind and help ensure passage of the bill.

Link to register in comments.