Ohio Optometric Association

05/27/2026

“Doctors of Optometry complete 10,000+ hours of education and clinical training focused on the eye and related systemic conditions. They diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of ocular diseases, working with ophthalmologists to deliver the best outcomes for patients. I have strong partnerships with local ophthalmologists, and this bill would continue to encourage our collaboration.”

Thank you, Dayton Daily News, for sharing Tipp Eye Center and OOA member Dr. Amy Myers’ Letter to the Editor on how Ohio patients would benefit from the passage of the Primary Eye Care Modernization Bill, Senate Bill 36. Learn how this bill will improve patient access to care, reduce wait times and meet Ohio’s growing eye care needs.

➡️ Scroll down to read the LTE: https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/opinion/letters-to-the-editor-veterans-should-not-have-to-fight-for-help/article_3440fc59-b68f-52f7-ad69-cd8b687dd7df.html

Johnathan Newman For State Representative, State Senator Kyle Koehler, Ohio State Senator Steve Huffman, State Senator Beth Liston, Catherine Ingram, Susan Manchester, Elect Kristina Daley Roegner, Mark Romanchuk

05/27/2026

It’s simple: Expanding optometry’s scope of practice means better patient care.

When optometrists are allowed to provide minor in-office eyelid and laser procedures, patients will receive care faster and closer to home.

As Ohio’s population continues to age, ensuring access to timely care is more important than ever. With optometrists practicing in 87 of Ohio’s 88 counties (compared to ophthalmology in 53), this bill will help more Ohioans get the care they need without unnecessary delays.

Learn how Senate Bill 36 supports patients: https://trustedeyecareohio.com/

Ohio State Senator Steve Huffman, State Senator Beth Liston, Catherine Ingram, Susan Manchester, Elect Kristina Daley Roegner, Mark Romanchuk

05/15/2026

Senate Bill 36 only includes specific in-office laser and eyelid procedures that Doctors of Optometry are trained and qualified to perform.

The bill does NOT include major surgeries like cataract surgery, LASIK or retina surgery. Learn more about the types of procedures included in Senate Bill 36 from board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ronald Brown Jr. (Specialty Eye Institute Toledo).

https://trustedeyecareohio.com/

Ohio State Senator Steve Huffman, State Senator Beth Liston, Catherine Ingram, Susan Manchester, Elect Kristina Daley Roegner, Mark Romanchuk

05/12/2026

Did you know every U.S. optometry school train Doctors of Optometry to perform in-office laser and eyelid procedures? Yet Ohio’s restrictive scope prevents ODs from practicing to the full extent of their training and education.

Senate Bill 36, the Primary Eye Care Modernization Bill, helps keep highly trained ODs in Ohio while increasing access to comprehensive vision services for patients across the state.

👉 Learn more about why Senate Bill 36 matters:
https://trustedeyecareohio.com/

Ohio State Senator Steve Huffman, State Senator Beth Liston, Catherine Ingram, Susan Manchester, Elect Kristina Daley Roegner, Mark Romanchuk

05/07/2026

When Shape Matters
Astigmatism happens when the eye isn’t evenly rounded. A comprehensive eye exam can diagnose it and guide treatment.

https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/find-a-doctor?sso=y

05/01/2026

AOA 2026 Award Winners were announced. Congratulations to Dr. Gregory Nixon for being selected as the AOA's Optometric Educator of the Year, Dr. Michael Earley for receiving the Dr. W. David Sullins, Jr., InfantSEE Award, Ms. Amy Ngo for Student of the Year and iSee Ohio for receiving the Apollo Award! Thank you to the AOA and their longstanding Visionary Supporter Johnson & Johnson for their recognition. All of the 2026 award winners will be recognized at Optometry's Meeting in June. Read more here https://tinyurl.com/ec6pwvb8

04/28/2026

Would you like some assistance with student loan debt? Apply for the Student Loan Repayment Program! All OOA members who have met the basic criteria of seeing Medicaid patients while carrying student loan debt, and did some volunteering, optometry related or not, are eligible and should apply! Over the past five years, 50% of applicants have received an award.

And, new in 2026, the application has been updated to expand eligibility! Additional questions have been added to recognize providers who serve geriatric populations and those who deliver in-home care to shut-ins or patients residing in nursing homes. Applicants will also have the opportunity to earn points for participation in OOA Zone meetings and EastWest educational programs, including EastWest Online University (www.eastwesteye.org). A full listing of criteria can be found on the Member Advantages page on the OOA website.

Application and instructions are available at this link: OVP SLR Instructions and Application https://www.ooa.org/aws/OOA/ctrb/289767/34631/2343574?c=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ooa.org%2Faws%2FOOA%2Fasset_manager%2Fget_file%2F946309%3Fver%3D0&i=6

Contact [email protected] with questions. Application Submission Deadline is April 30, 2026.

04/22/2026

We’re proud of the gains we’ve made in ensuring the youngest in our state have access to comprehensive eye exams. Improving access to vision care means addressing the needs of adult patients, too.

Senate Bill 36 builds on the extensive training of Doctors of Optometry to expand access — helping reduce wait times and travel burdens for patients across the state.

➡️ Learn more about how scope expansion will benefit Ohio patients. https://trustedeyecareohio.com/

Ohio State Senator Steve Huffman, State Senator Beth Liston, Catherine Ingram, Susan Manchester, Elect Kristina Daley Roegner, Mark Romanchuk

04/16/2026

Congratulations to the TAOP (Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians) for passing the Optometry Practice Act and modernizing your practice for your state’s patients!

That makes 16 states who now can safely offer to their residents these office-based laser procedures performed by their trusted Doctor of Optometry.

Ohio State Senator Steve Huffman, State Senator Beth Liston, Catherine Ingram, Susan Manchester, Elect Kristina Daley Roegner, Mark Romanchuk

We’re thrilled to share the bill to expand access to quality eye care in Tennessee and modernize the Optometry Practice Act has been signed into law by Governor Bill Lee. Thank you again to our prime sponsors Sen. Bo Watson and Rep. Ryan Williams and all of our co-sponsors in both houses, and to our hard-working TAOP legislative committee and all of you for your support throughout this legislative process.

04/10/2026

Doctors of Optometry complete 10,000+ hours of education and clinical training focused on the eye and related systemic conditions. ODs already diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of ocular diseases — working closely with ophthalmologists to deliver the best outcomes for patients. 🤝

Expanding optometry’s scope of practice builds on this foundation, which will help more Ohioans access the care they need.

https://trustedeyecareohio.com/

Ohio State Senator Steve Huffman, State Senator Beth Liston, Catherine Ingram, Susan Manchester, Elect Kristina Daley Roegner, Mark Romanchuk