Young Ophthalmologist Advocacy

"If you're not at the table, you're on the menu."

Nobody can make the case for concerns important to you than . . . YOU!

When government officials at the federal, state and local levels are making policy that affects health care -- and the delivery of eye care services in particular -- nobody can make the case better than you, the ophthalmologist, as well as your medical practice staff and your patients. Rest assured, if you don't speak up, somebody else will, and they might not have the same objectives as you do.

There is no better time than the present to be an advocate for your profession. It's not hard, but it does take a little bit of effort. The information presented here will give you some tools to get the job done.

Keeping an EYE on Advocacy

The Springfield Connection

State Capitol Eye Screening and Advocacy Day

Highlights from the 2015 Event

Legislative Successes

Insurance Coverage for Eye Drop Refills

Optometric Surgery Advocacy Resources
Illinois General Assembly

By the way, connecting with state legislators and building a relationship can make a difference down the road. Did you know that in the current 115th Congress, 44 US Senators and 222 US Representatives formerly service in a state legislature. And since the founding of the nation, 22 Presidents served in a state or colonial legislature. (Source: NCSL) So, the state lawmaker you meet today could end up in higher office, and sometimes much higher!