American Optometric Association

04/24/2026

🎉In a win for patients—especially those in underserved and rural areas—Virginia lawmakers passed legislation allowing TPA-certified doctors of optometry to sell and dispense Schedule VI medications directly from their practices. With in-office dispensing, patients will receive prescribed treatments more efficiently, improving patient access, convenience, and continuity of care.

The new law comes after Georgia passed similar legislation last year, improving patient access, convenience and continuity of care.

04/23/2026

Advocacy isn’t abstract — it impacts your bottom line.

AOA works to protect optometry. Membership connects you to that protection. Join by May 31 and we'll send you a $250 Amazon eGift Card to say thanks! Visit go.aoa.org/joinnow26SP and use promo code "26SPAQSM" to redeem!

04/22/2026

Four doctors share considerations for an environmentally friendly practice.

Every day is Earth Day at these optometric practices. Considerations for an environmentally friendly practice.

04/22/2026

Hey, your eyes need a break!

Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Small resets like this can help reduce the effects of digital eye strain.

And if you’re experiencing symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, or dry eyes often, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a doctor of optometry.

Learn more and find a doctor of optometry here: https://bit.ly/3OUtNg3

04/21/2026

Our deepest condolences on the passing of Mark Harris, O.D., a dedicated member of the AOA and New Hampshire Optometric Association and a fierce advocate for the profession.

Mark W. Harris   | June 18, 1955 – March 28, 2026  |  Manchester, NHMark W. Harris of Manchester, NH, passed away sud…

04/21/2026

Struggling at the plate turned out to be more than mechanics.

For K**e Hernandez, an in-person comprehensive eye exam revealed astigmatism that was affecting his performance. With the right care, his season got back on track.

Optometrists do more than check your vision. They help support how you perform every day.

Learn more and find a doctor of optometry here: https://bit.ly/3QzZXxL

04/20/2026

Dr. Shane Foster invites you to join the AOA OD Talks Webinar: Growth Strategies for Modern Practices on April 27. Register here: https://bit.ly/41oUT1x

04/17/2026

Spring weather is here—and so is Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief. Learn what one member’s practice was able to obtain with an OFDR grant after a tornado.

What an Oklahoma practice was able to obtain with a grant from Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief after a tornado.

04/16/2026

Allergies… or something more?​

“Too many children are told it’s just allergies when something doesn’t look right with their eyes,” says Dr. Matthew Jones, an AOA optometrist.​

During allergy season, it’s common to experience red or irritated eyes. But those symptoms don’t always tell the full story.​

If something seems off with your child’s eyes, a comprehensive eye exam can help provide answers​.

Learn more and find a doctor of optometry here: https://bit.ly/42gbxk9

04/15/2026

"Tennessee optometry’s win is a victory for all doctors of optometry and our patients as it further accelerates our profession’s march toward a significantly expanded role in health care,” said Dr. Teri Geist, AOA president-elect. “Once again, affiliate and AOA advocacy have delivered new recognition in law for the education, skills and continuous training of doctors of optometry as well as for promising new pathways for practice growth and success."

We’re thrilled to share the bill to expand access to quality eye care in Tennessee and modernize the Optometry Practice Act has been signed into law by Governor Bill Lee. Thank you again to our prime sponsors Sen. Bo Watson and Rep. Ryan Williams and all of our co-sponsors in both houses, and to our hard-working TAOP legislative committee and all of you for your support throughout this legislative process.

04/15/2026

We're one week from the next AOA OD Talks Webinar Series: Myopia Myths Debunked! Join an evidence-based discussion that cuts through the noise surrounding myopia management.

Enroll here or scan the QR code: https://go.aoa.org/4bHW6XJ

04/14/2026

Excel-ing for member doctors and students! Led by AOA President-elect and Vice President Drs. Teri Geist and Terri Gossard and AOAExcel Board Chair Dr. Sam Pierce, the AOAExcel Board of Directors recently gathered in St. Louis on delivering expanded members-only benefits and new initiatives to support optometry practices and their growth. For more information on the growing list benefits of AOA and affiliate membership, visit https://bit.ly/4tH2THj.