NECO & MA Optometrists Advocate at the State House

The day began with a briefing on key legislative initiatives and updates relevant to optometric practice in Massachusetts. Following the briefing, attendees broke into small groups, led by MSO leadership, and conducted coordinated office visits with their local legislators.

Optometrists Day is an important event for all participating practitioners, especially students and recent graduates. Collective advocacy efforts are essential for safeguarding and advancing the profession, and for improving vision care in Massachusetts. 

Key Legislative Initiatives

• SD.1538/HD.413: An Act Relative to Updating the Licensure of Optometrists

  Sen. Michael O. Moore (D), Worcester/Rep. Tackey Chan (D), Norfolk
  This bill aims to modernize the outdated 1934 definition of optometry within the Massachusetts General Laws. This update is critical for ensuring that optometrists can practice to the full extent of their training and expertise, ultimately benefiting patient care.

• SD.591: An Act to Close the Achievement Gap by Addressing Disparities in Children’s Vision

  Sen. Michael O. Moore (D), Worcester
  This legislation proposed the creation of a Children’s Vision and Eye Health Advisory Council within the Department of Public Health. This council would work to address disparities in children’s vision care and ensure that all children have access to necessary eye health services.

Bills Under Monitoring

• HD.928: An Act Relative to Prescription Eyewear

  Rep. Marcus S. Vaughn (R), Norfolk
  This bill mandates that any licensed physician or optometrist issuing prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses in Massachusetts must include the patient’s pupillary distance (PD) on the script. Significantly, no additional fees can be charged for this requirement.

Key Issues and Advocacy Points

• Modernizing Optometry Licensure: House Bill 3608 (now SD.1538/HD.413) addresses the need to update the language used to regulate optometric licensure. Modernizing these regulations streamlines the licensing process, clarifies scope of practice, and enhances public understanding of optometric credentials.

• Addressing Children’s Vision Disparities: Senate Bill 116 and House Bill 2132 (now SD.591) highlight the urgent need to improve children’s vision care in Massachusetts. While vision screenings are mandated in public schools, follow-up care remains a significant challenge. The bill would establish an advisory council and a vision screening registry to ensure that children receive timely and appropriate follow-up treatment.
• Ensuring Prescription Accuracy: House Bill 928 aims to increase patient access to accurate prescriptions by mandating the inclusion of pupillary distance, free of any additional fees.

The Impact of Advocacy

Optometrists, students, and partner organizations’ advocacy efforts are instrumental in driving positive change. By engaging with legislators, participants work to increase access to eye care for underserved populations, potentially reduce long-term healthcare costs, foster improved academic achievement and quality of life for children, and reinforce that optometry practice is allowed to provide the best possible care for the patient.

Eye care professionals attending the State House understood vision’s critical role in overall health and well-being. The bills being considered in the State House can significantly impact the ability to provide patients quality care and help set a precedent in optometric practice across the country. 

“The work done at the State House is an example of the forward drive that is needed for the profession of optometry and our patients ,” shares Gary Y. Chu, OD, MPH, FAAO, NECO Vice President of Professional Affairs. “We aim to change how people see the world through education and advocacy so that one day eye care for all will be a reality, not just in Massachusetts, but the world.”