Author name: Ben Emer

Biographical Info: I'm from Kenosha, WI and am a 4th year at the Illinois College of Optometry. I began writing my own blog about optometry news as a pre-optometry student and have continued to writing throughout my OD student career. I believe it's essential for all pre-optometry and optometry students to be aware and informed of news and issues facing optometry, and look forward to continuing to stay involved and connected with my peers to do just this! Find Ben on Google+.

Pediatric Eye Care Essential Health Benefit Has Now Been Officially Realized

News, Organized Optometry / By / 3 minutes of reading

After initial federal government recognition and support, the Pediatric Eye Care Essential Benefit has now been officially finalized by the US Department of Health and Human Service, marking the end of years and years of hard fought advocacy and the beginning of comprehensive eye exams and related medical services for millions of children across the […]

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Huge Potential Impact of Health Care Reform on Optometry and YOU!

Articles, Healthcare, Involvement / By / 2 minutes of reading

Big news as we move through the start of 2013! Due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Harkin Amendment and Pediatric Eye Care Essential Benefit that is included, millions of previously uninsured Americans (children and adults) will have coverage for comprehensive eye care! This could translate to more patients and a busier practice

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Federal Government Support and Implementation of Comprehensive Eye Exams for Kids!

Articles, Healthcare, Organized Optometry / By / 2 minutes of reading

The extreme importance of healthy vision for children to their learning and development cannot be understated.  Now the federal government is fully supporting this notion as it begins to implement the pediatric essential health benefit, which was hard-fought and lobbied for by optometrists, students and AOA members across the country!  To think that previously, the

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AOA-PAC: Its Impact and Your Involvement!

Healthcare, Involvement, News, Optometry School, Organized Optometry / By / 2 minutes of reading

I recently wrote about the presence of the AOA and optometry in Washington and how the organization and advocacy of those in and around the profession allow optometrists to practice the way they do today (such as defending the Harkin Law). As a student myself, I always urge students to be aware of these issues

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Formidable Presence of Optometry and the AOA in Washington

Healthcare, Involvement, News, Organized Optometry / By / 2 minutes of reading

Here’s an excellent example of the strength we have as a collective group of optometry students, OD’s, legislators and the American Optometric Association (AOA) as a whole.  As mentioned in a previous article, the AOA was listed as one of the top ten most influential lobbying groups in Washington D.C. (http://newsfromaoa.org/2012/07/13/survey-of-dc-insiders-places-aoa-on-lobbyings-top-10-list/)! This has been clearly

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California Bill Expands Optometrists’ Diagnostic Testing Capabilities

Clinical Optometry, Healthcare, News / By / 1 minute of reading

Optometrists in California now have the right to perform clinical laboratory tests that help diagnose certain eye conditions and disease. After more than a year since its introduction and journey through the California Assembly and Senate, bill A.B. 761 was finally signed by the governor of California. Previously, certain clinical lab tests classified as “waived” could

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5 Factors in Maintaining the Growth and Stability of Optometry

Healthcare, Involvement, News / By / 2 minutes of reading

I was reading a few interesting articles earlier this month that I wanted to share with you. The first was a message from. Ron Hopping, O.D., MPH, AOA president, after a trip he took to Washington, D.C.  I was particularly struck by what he listed as the important, core things that optometrists and their patients

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Positive Stories in Optometry News

Healthcare, Involvement, News, Organized Optometry / By / 2 minutes of reading

Hello everyone!  Hopefully all first year students, like me, are now getting used to their weekly exams and study schedules. I decided to bring you some positive news in optometry, resulting from the hard work of all those involved with pushing our profession forward and serving patients or anyone who may need eye care. I’ll

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Pediatric Eye Exam Advocacy: Benefiting children and optometry

Articles, Involvement, Organized Optometry / By / 2 minutes of reading

With August being Children’s Vision and Learning Month and the passing of the torch from former AOA President Dr. Dori Carlson to Dr. Ron Hopping, I wanted to take the opportunity to look back at some important developments over this past year having to do with our profession and the children and adolescents we will

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