The Association of Armed Forces and Federal Optometric Services News – VA Spending Bill
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The Association of Armed Forces and Federal Optometric Services News – VA Spending Bill
After many years of fighting for VA optometry, we are getting a little closer to the finish line! Thanks to all the hard work of Matt Willette and the AOA, we have a section that impacts VA Optometry in the VA spending bill that was introduced earlier this week.
HR 8371 Sec 142 would move optometrists into the Physician’s Pay Scale. Optometry is the only group of licensed, independent, prescribing practitioners not included on the physician's pay scale. In addition to helping to solve the current recruitment and retention problems related to non-competitive pay, it will return optometry to the same category as the other professions (physicians, podiatrists, and dentists), strengthening our collective position in the future. Medicare has recognized Doctors of Optometry as physicians for decades and now it is time for the VA to do so, as well. Ultimately, the Veteran benefits from having increased access to eye care.
We would greatly appreciate spreading the word to your membership to text VETERAN to 855-465-5124 to tell their legislators to vote YES on HR 8371.
Reach out to Dr. H. Lindsay Wright, Executive Director with the Armed Forces Optometry Society at Lwright@afos2020.org with any questions.
