- Eric Thomas
For over a decade, optometrists have been advocating for our patients to gain access to safe, innovative, and quality eye care. While technology is advancing at lightning speed, optometrists are practicing under an Optometric Practice Act that was last modified 16 years ago. In my last editorial, I described where Pennsylvania stands in the nation providing care to our patients. The great state of Pennsylvania is falling behind and new graduates are leaving to work in states that permit them to practice at their highest level of training.
- PA is one of only two states that continue to use an outdated, antiquated process to authorize new medications for the treatment of eye disease by relying upon approval by the Secretary of Health.
- PA is one of 8 states that still need the hydrocodone fix.
- PA is one of 10 states that do not permit an optometrist to give an injection to a patient for anaphylactic reaction.
The POA’s efforts to move optometry forward are close to paying off, but victory is going to take effort from every member. It will require a small fraction of your time and support of our Political Action Committee with a modest monetary contribution.
First, every member must be involved. Please contact Dr. James Deom, chair of our Keyperson Committee, to find out how you can help in our grassroots campaign. Dr. Deom can be reached at dr.deom@gmail.com. This fall, it is critical to attend a local fundraiser for your legislator and maintain a positive ongoing relationship. A visit to your legislator’s local office to express your support for the legislation POA supports is crucial to our success. Information about the various bills is found on the POA website under Advocacy.
Next, make a financial contribution to our POA Political Action Fund, POPAC. This money is used to support legislative fundraisers in Harrisburg and around the Commonwealth. Our lobbyists in Harrisburg, along with our Executive Director, attend many fundraisers on our behalf, and it is POPAC funds that allow them to do that. Supporting our legislators is an important way to make the POA known. Ophthalmology, vision plans, and insurance companies all have funds working against us. The POA asks for a $500 annual contribution. To make your contribution, contact Ilene from the POA at ilene@poaeyes.org.
The opportunity is upon us, as an association and as optometrists, to pass through the hard work boulevard of the legislative arena. There is a critical, small window of opportunity of approximately 8-10 legislative session days left through the middle of October to pass three pieces of legislation—our Scope Modification bill (SB 668), the Vision Benefits bill (SB 257), and the Telemedicine bill (SB 780). The POA is the only group that advocates legislatively for you and your patients. I am humbled by your continued support of your POA Board and your association.
Becca Wincek-Bateson, O.D.
POA President
