The Academy’s Advocacy Program is the Academy’s national network of ophthalmologists who commit to protecting the needs of their profession and patients by developing relationships with their members of Congress and state legislators. Congressional and State Legislative Advocates:
- Represent the Academy’s position on important issues through direct, personal communication with their members of Congress, congressional staff, and state lawmakers.
- Develop a relationship with lawmakers by meeting locally with the lawmaker or serving as a trusted source of information for the lawmaker’s staff.
- Deliver OPHTHPAC contributions to members of Congress, when requested.
- Work with AAO state societies to support state advocacy initiatives.
The Academy views its work to develop, train, and energize this national network of ophthalmologists as a crucial component of our success. It provides advocates with background materials, training, and one-on-one support, in addition to the alerts it sends to keep them informed when Congress and state legislatures act on an important issue relating to ophthalmology.
Do you want to advocate on federal policy issues such as reforming the flawed Medicare physician payment system, protecting the National Eye Institute's independence, and preserving surgical eye care standards for veterans, among others?
If you answered yes to question #1, what congressional advocacy activities are you interested in doing?
Do you have a personal relationship with a member of Congress? If yes, please list the name of the member of Congress and the extent of your relationship (friend, family, patient, have met multiple times through AAO or other organization advocacy, other).
Do you want to advocate on state policy issues such as reducing medical waste, addressing scope of practice, reforming prior authorization, and strengthening pediatric vision screening standards, among others?
If you answered yes to question #4, what state advocacy activities are you interested in doing?
Do you have a personal relationship with a member of the state legislature? If yes, please list the name of the legislator and describe the nature of your relationship (e.g., friend, family, met multiple times through the AAO state society, state medical association, or other advocacy organization).
Are you a member of your state society?
If not, and you are not a member of your state society, may we share your contact information with your state society for additional state advocacy opportunities?
If you are a member of a subspecialty society, please list the society name(s). Write ‘n/a’ if you’re not a member.
