“Advocacy is not just about making sure we get what we want,
Chase Bowerman, OD Candidate ’27
it is about making sure patients get what they deserve.”
NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry
When we start optometry school, there are a variety of ways to get involved in communities, clubs and various organizations. In my opinion, nothing can compare to being a part of the AOSA. The one defining moment that solidified this belief was attending the 2024 AOA on Capitol Hill. After the meeting, I returned to school with a new passion and empowerment as a future doctor of optometry.
One of the biggest things that stood out was the relationships I formed that I know will last well beyond graduation. It was memorable to talk to doctors from my home state and listen to them share how the current bills were impacting their hometowns. It was also fascinating to hear about how the landscape of optometry has changed over the years. I not only built relationships with practicing optometrists but also students across the country who are just as excited and motivated to push optometry forward. Many of these students I still call friends today!
I know what you are thinking, legislation, policy, I don’t know anything about that. I did not know anything about the politics of optometry either. Legislation always felt like something that I had no influence over and did not really apply to me, but going to AOA on Capitol Hill flipped my thinking. The AOA is amazing at breaking down each legislative issue and teaching you how each of these impact optometrists and their patients. After becoming familiar with each policy, we put our teaching into practice. I got to follow 4 amazing doctors from my home state and listen to them discuss with lawmakers why these bills matter and why their support means everything.
Attending AOA on Capitol Hill was one of the most impactful meetings in my time as an optometry student. It showed me that as a student it is important to be involved in advocacy, because one day I am going to be practicing, and I want to be able to practice optometry with my full abilities on display. Because advocacy is not just about making sure we get what we want, it is about making sure patients get what they deserve.
How can you attend this meeting? Sign up, it’s that easy.
Reach out to your school’s AOSA Trustee and see if they have any more information about how to attend. The AOA is gracious enough to provide all AOSA students with free hotel stay from Sunday Sept. 28th through Tuesday Sept. 30th and also provide flight reimbursement of up to $450. The most important thing is bringing your passion and excitement for the future of optometry.
Bills:
Health and vision plan abuses: https://www.aoa.org/AOA/Documents/Advocacy/AOA%20on%20Capitol%20Hill/DOC%20Access%20Act%20Fact%20Sheet%202024.pdf
Protecting veterans’ access to eye care: https://www.aoa.org/AOA/Documents/Advocacy/AOA%20on%20Capitol%20Hill/VA%20Optometry%20fact%20sheet.pdf
Medicare payment reforms: https://www.aoa.org/AOA/Documents/Advocacy/AOA%20on%20Capitol%20Hill/Medicare%20fact%20sheet.pdf
Ensuring a safer, simpler RX verification system: https://www.aoa.org/AOA/Documents/Advocacy/AOA%20on%20Capitol%20Hill/HCAPS%20Robocalls%20fact%20sheet.pdf
