Ohio Optometric Association

06/23/2026

CLAIM: Senate Bill 36 opens the door to hidden surgical procedures being performed by optometrists.

FACT: Senate Bill 36 is limited to specific in-office laser and eyelid procedures that optometrists across the country have safely performed for decades. It does not include major surgical procedures performed in an operating room.

Learn more about 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, Senator Rob McColley, Bill Reineke, Ohio Senator Theresa Gavarone, Senator Matt Huffman

06/23/2026

Thank you Dr. Shelton!

06/21/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Terri Gossard on being elected President-Elect of the American Optometric Association, and to Dr. Shane Foster on being elected as an AOA Trustee.

Both Dr. Gossard’s and Dr. Foster’s dedication to patient care, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing the profession of optometry have made a lasting impact in Ohio and beyond. As they step into these new national leadership roles, their influence and vision will continue to help shape the future of optometry across the country.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Gossard and Dr. Foster, and the entire AOA Board on these well-deserved achievements.

06/19/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Greg Nixon, AOA's Optometric Educator of the Year, and Ms. Amy Ngo, AOA Student of the Year, who were both recognized earlier today at Optometry's Meeting!

06/19/2026

Congratulations to the Vermont Optometric Association on the successful passage of their scope modernization bill, Senate Bill 64!

This legislation allows Vermont’s Doctors of Optometry to perform in-office laser procedures, enabling them to practice at the highest level of their education and training while improving access to timely, high-quality eye care.

Vermont is now the 17th state to authorize optometrists to perform in-office procedures, including ophthalmic laser procedures. Ohio hopes to join this growing list of states through the substitute version of Senate Bill 36, currently under consideration in the Senate Health Committee, helping expand access to eye care for patients across the state.

Ohio State Senator Steve Huffman, State Senator Beth Liston, Catherine Ingram, Susan Manchester, Elect Kristina Daley Roegner, Mark Romanchuk, Senator Rob McColley, Bill Reineke, Ohio Senator Theresa Gavarone, Senator Matt Huffman

Vermont becomes the 17th state to authorize optometric laser procedures—and the third state in 2026 to modernize optometric practice.

06/19/2026

Dr. Shane Foster, President of the Ohio Optometric Foundation, accepts the 2026 Apollo Award on behalf of iSee Ohio! Congratulations to the entire iSee Ohio team on this incredible honor. This national recognition reflects the dedication of countless volunteers, partners, and supporters who make iSee Ohio’s work possible. Together, they are making a lasting difference by giving children the opportunity to see their best, do their best, and reach their full potential.

06/18/2026

OOA President Dr. San-San Cooley proudly represents Ohio at the House of Delegates at Optometry's Meeting, and Dr. Shane Foster gives his speech as candidate for AOA Trustee while Dr. Terri Gossard gives her speech as candidate for AOA President-Elect.

06/18/2026

Patient safety is the cornerstone of the optometry profession.

Optometry Advisor recently highlighted that optometrist malpractice payments have remained rare, stable and relatively low nationwide over the past 30 years. Importantly, researchers found no significant increase in malpractice payments in states that underwent scope expansion.

That's because optometrists are educated, trained and qualified to deliver the care they provide.

Learn more: https://www.optometryadvisor.com/news/optometrist-malpractice-payment-trends-us/

Ohio State Senator Steve Huffman, State Senator Beth Liston, Catherine Ingram, Susan Manchester, Elect Kristina Daley Roegner, Mark Romanchuk, Senator Rob McColley, Bill Reineke, Ohio Senator Theresa Gavarone, Senator Matt Huffman

06/16/2026

We are proud to support OOA Past President and current Ohio Optometric Foundation President Dr. Shane Foster in his bid for the American Optometric Association (AOA) Board of Trustees. The election will be held later this week at Optometry’s Meeting in Phoenix, AZ, June 17-20, 2026.

“Dr. Foster has consistently demonstrated the leadership and dedication that our profession needs at the national level,” said Dr. San-San Cooley, OD, MS and President of the OOA. “His advocacy for optometry, focus on patient care, and efforts to advance the profession have distinguished him among colleagues across Ohio and beyond. His experience, vision, and commitment to serving doctors and patients alike make him an outstanding choice to help lead the American Optometric Association into the future.”

Dr. Foster has spent years advocating for children's vision and access to care and supporting scope modernization efforts.

“My commitment to organized optometry has always been rooted in service,” Dr. Foster said. “If elected, I will bring the same collaborative, dedicated approach to the AOA Board and will work every day to support our affiliates and strengthen our profession.”

Florida Optometric Association, NC Eyes, Michigan Optometric Association, The Virginia Optometric Association, Colorado Optometric Association, NJ Society of Optometric Physicians, Georgia Optometric Association, Wisconsin Optometric Association

06/11/2026

Modernizing optometry’s scope will help Ohio retain a highly trained eye care workforce. 👁️

Surrounding states like Indiana, Kentucky and Virginia already allow Doctors of Optometry to practice to the full extent of their education and training. Senate Bill 36 will help keep new graduates in Ohio and maintain a strong vision care workforce to meet the needs of our rapidly aging population.

➡️ Learn why modernizing optometry's scope is a crucial workforce issue: https://trustedeyecareohio.com/

Ohio State Senator Steve Huffman, State Senator Beth Liston, Catherine Ingram, Susan Manchester, Elect Kristina Daley Roegner, Mark Romanchuk,
Senator Rob McColley, Bill Reineke, Ohio Senator Theresa Gavarone, Senator Matt Huffman