American Optometric Association

02/20/2026

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

02/19/2026

The AOA's Evidence-Based Optometry (EBO) Committee is reviewing the just-released Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye Examination Preferred Practice Pattern (PPP), developed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). The scope of the AOA's Comprehensive Adult Eye and Vision Examination, Second Edition, clinical practice guideline (CPG), published in 2023, and the new PPP from the AAO do not fully overlap in depth and purpose. Pursuant to prior evidence-based and consensus findings of the EBO panel, the AOA's recommendation for annual examinations—encompassing the visual needs of adult patients—is affirmed and will continue to serve as the unchallenged foundation for physician and public health understanding. The AOA plans to review and revise the adult examination CPG in 2028 at the five-year review outlined in the AOA's evidence-based process. We encourage all doctors to remain current with the newest clinical information, in the service of our patients to meet their visual needs and to address the often-urgent threat of disease, including glaucoma, diabetes and myopia, in a timely manner. Patient needs and stratification of risk for ocular disease in both documents serve as a useful reminder of the essential importance of early diagnosis through a comprehensive eye exam.

Read the adult examination CPG here: https://go.aoa.org/4c3fOhh

02/18/2026

In this episode of Power Hour, AOA President Jacquie M. Bowen, O.D., President-Elect Teri K. Geist, O.D., and Vice President Terri A. Gossard, O.D., offer a firsthand look into the profession’s biggest pressure points and what the AOA is doing to protect, expand and advance optometry heading into 2026.

AOA Leaders Summit 2026: The Battles, Wins, and Priorities Shaping Optometry The economics of practice ownership are evolving. Technology is accelerating. Legislative conversations are becoming more complex, and the expectations placed on doctors continue to shift.

02/17/2026

The AOA 2026 annual award nomination deadline has been extended to Friday, Feb. 27! Recognize someone who inspires you and help honor the best of optometry.

Note: Some award categories are not open to the public. For full details and submission information, visit: https://ow.ly/HU2Q50XBRjg

The AOA 2026 annual award nominations are now open. Recognize someone who inspires you and help honor the best of optometry.

02/13/2026

AOA’s call for VBM accountability is taking hold in Washington, D.C., as the U.S. House oversight panel further expands its inquiry into anti-patient, anti-doctor abuses. For more information or to help build new support for optometry in Congress at next month’s AOA on Capitol Hill mobilization, contact the AOA’s advocacy and legal team at StopPlanAbuses@aoa.org.

Learn more about AOA on Capitol Hill | AOA Federal Keypersons Summit: https://go.aoa.org/4aNx34R

United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

02/12/2026

In recognition of February's Low Vision Awareness Month, the AOA Vision Rehabilitation Committee welcomes your questions about low vision, which they'll answer in an upcoming webinar!

Submit your question here: https://go.aoa.org/4tznEW6

In recognition of February's Low Vision Awareness Month, the AOA Vision Rehabilitation Committee welcomes your questions about low vision which they'll answe...

02/12/2026

Did you know that millions of Americans take GLP-1 medications for chronic conditions or weight loss? That's about 6% of U.S. adults.

But, according to a new AOA report, these medications can impact your eye health. If you’re taking a GLP-1, a comprehensive eye exam with a doctor of optometry is essential to stay on top of any changes in your vision.

Find an AOA doctor here: https://bit.ly/4apUsYP

02/11/2026

The AOA’s federal advocacy achieved significant progress in 2025, securing and advancing a half dozen key priorities that directly benefit optometry practices and patients. Now, advocates intend to press that momentum with a newly envisioned summit that hones optometry’s legislative influence.

Check out these crucial wins that AOA achieved for doctors and patients in 2025 as advocates look to March 15-17 for AOA on Capitol Hill | AOA Federal Keyperson Summit.

02/10/2026

Tom thought it was simply a normal part of aging. That’s until a comprehensive eye exam revealed something much more serious.

Thanks to a doctor of optometry who listened closely and pushed for answers, his brain tumor was diagnosed early.

Read how an eye exam made all the difference here: https://bit.ly/4qwKY42

02/10/2026

At the beginning of each year, volunteers—doctors of optometry, paraoptometrics and students in the AOA’s robust committee structure—gather to connect and mobilize. Learn about the work done at the AOA Leaders Summit, which sets the course for the year ahead.

https://bit.ly/4cl5ykq

02/05/2026

Your heart and your eyes are more connected than you might think.

High blood pressure affects both, and signs may show up during a comprehensive eye exam. This , a doctor of optometry can help spot changes early and support your overall health.

Find a doctor near you here: https://bit.ly/3Mn41zP

02/03/2026

The 10-year effort to protect South Carolinians’ eye health has ended with a win – the state Supreme Court ruled that the South Carolina Eye Care Consumer Protection Law (ECCPL), which passed in 2016, is constitutional.

Read more:

Favorable ruling ends a decade-long legal battle for the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association.