News from the AOA's Blog

With research producing eye and vision care innovations at a quickening pace, new revisions to West Virginia’s regulatory system for optometrists could help make eye care advances more quickly available to patients across the Mountain State, according to the West Virginia Optometric Association (WVOA).

Legislation signed March 29 by Gov. Joe Manchin, III, (D) gives the West Virginia Board of Optometry (WVBO) the power to promulgate rules to include within the practice of optometry – pending approval through a legislative review process – any eye or vision care procedure taught in at least half of the accredited schools and colleges. Read the rest of this entry ?

Schumacher cuddles with a kitten he found on the side of the road on one of his many rides.

The AOA and the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA) are mourning the loss of OOPA Executive Director Wayne Schumacher. Schumacher died after a battle with cancer.

“Wayne Schumacher was instrumental in making the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association the successful affiliate that it is today, as a membership service organization, as a business, and as a respected and recognizable association in our state legislature,” said Darrin Fleming, O.D., OOPA president. “He has taken our association to levels that no one thought possible. He was tireless in his efforts and sincerely dedicated and loyal to the profession of optometry, and our members. Most importantly, Wayne will be sorely missed as a dear friend by all of us who knew him.” Read the rest of this entry ?

Edited by Chuck Brownlow, O.D., AOA CodingToday and Medical Records consultant

Optometrists have been asking that question of patients for decades, usually while doing key sections of the process known as refraction.

The question can also refer to refraction in a different light, however—one that’s been ignored by too many insurers and optometrists for nearly 20 years. Should refraction be considered a part of an eye care office visit or should it be billed separately? Read the rest of this entry ?