Register Now for Virtual AOA on Capitol Hill




Virtual AOA on Capitol Hill

May 23-25, 2021 

Participation is open to all advocacy-minded doctors, optometry students, and paraoptometrics, with sessions tailored to providing attendees the latest updates on priority federal issues and, in close coordination with state associations, the potential to participate in virtual meetings with U.S. senators and House members. Virtual meetings with members of Congress are pre-arranged and coordinated through state associations.

Online sessions available at various times, May 23-25 (consult agenda for specific sessions):

  • A welcome program and briefings will be scheduled for the afternoon/early evening of Sunday, May 23. 
  • Dive deeper into the issues and hear the keynote speaker on the evening of Monday, May 24.
  • Virtual Hill meetings will be scheduled throughout the day on Tuesday, May 25, in coordination with state affiliates. 

The event website also includes a detailed briefing on the policy issues (as much as we know right now) and the posted agenda.
 

Know before you go: AOA’s 3 priority issues for Virtual AOA on Capitol Hill

While the COVID-19 public health emergency and Congress’ potential response still loom large in Washington, D.C., the AOA identified three priority topics that optometry’s advocates will take to lawmakers during Virtual AOA on Capitol Hill, including: 

  1. Secure COVID-19 relief, aid opportunities for struggling optometry practices.
  2. Curb health and vision plan policies that unnecessarily restrict doctors’ care.
  3. Fix a broken prescription verification process and stop efforts to deregulate contact lenses

With so much riding on these issues, the AOA is encouraging the profession to turn out for Virtual AOA on Capitol Hill and help move these priorities forward. Greater representation across the profession will help optometry’s advocates make a lasting impression while meeting with Congress members—and that includes practice staff.

Get a jump-start on Virtual AOA on Capitol Hill - visit the AOA's Action Center to get an in-depth overview of these issues that require members’ immediate attention and start writing your House and Senate members to urge their attention to optometry’s priorities. Or text “RELIEF” to 855.465.5124 to get involved in the current COVID-19 relief efforts.

For more information about Virtual AOA on Capitol Hill, agenda questions, or the issues, please email advocacy@aoa.org or call 800.365.2219.

All members can sign up using this link. Registration Deadline is May 10.