Optometry is at a critical moment. Medicare reimbursements are shrinking, scope expansion battles are intensifying, and new legislative threats could redefine what it means to be an optometrist. If the American Optometric Association (AOA) didn’t exist — what would optometry look like today?
In this episode, AOA President Dr. Steven Reed and President-Elect Dr. Jacquie Bowen join Eugene Shatsman to unpack the advocacy, wins, and ongoing challenges that could shape the future of the profession. With AOA members earning 13% more on average than non-members, this discussion dives into the direct impact of AOA advocacy on optometrists’ financial success and professional security.
The conversation covers Medicare reimbursement battles, vision plan reform, and the fight for scope expansion — breaking down the wins, setbacks, and what’s ahead. Plus, they confront a growing concern: the rise of “Not-a-Doctor” bills and why certain groups are working to remove optometrists’ recognition as doctors in several states.
Here’s a question worth asking — if the AOA disappeared, where would optometry be? The answers from Dr. Reed and Dr. Bowen may surprise you.
The challenges facing optometry aren’t going away, and neither is the AOA. Whether it’s protecting reimbursements, expanding scope of practice, or fighting legislative threats, the AOA is leading the charge to ensure optometrists remain recognized, respected, and financially strong.
This episode is a must-listen for any optometrist who cares about the future of their profession. Learn what’s at stake, what’s being done, and how you can play a role in shaping optometry’s future.
Key Takeaways
- Why AOA Members Earn 13% More – The financial impact of advocacy and insurance reimbursement wins.
- The Fight for Medicare Reimbursement – How optometrists are pushing back against cuts that could hurt practices.
- Scope Expansion Battles – Why some states are gaining laser privileges while others face legislative pushback.
- The Reality of “Not-a-Doctor” Bills – Why these efforts keep resurfacing and what they could mean for the profession.
- What Optometry Would Look Like Without the AOA – The risks of losing national advocacy and support.
In This Episode
- 00:00 – The AOA’s Role in Advocacy & Why It Matters
- 06:45 – Why AOA Members Earn 13% More
- 12:30 – Medicare Reimbursement Battles & The Push for Fair Payments
- 19:15 – Optometric Scope Expansion: Wins, Roadblocks & What’s Next
- 27:40 – Why Some Groups Want to Remove OD Recognition
- 35:55 – What If the AOA Didn’t Exist?
- 44:20 – The Future of AOA Advocacy
Contact Information
Connect with Dr. Steven Reed
Dr. Steven T. Reed, a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, currently serves as the President of the American Optometric Association (AOA), having been officially recognized in June 2024. He owns and operates private practices in Magee, Collins, and Prentiss, and co-owns additional practices in Clinton, Flowood, Forest, and Vicksburg.
Dr. Reed has held numerous leadership positions, including past president of the Mississippi Optometric Association (MOA) and the Southwest Optometric Society. He has also served as chair of various committees within the MOA and was chair of the Board of Trustees at Southern College of Optometry.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-steven-t-reed-71166457/
Website: https://www.aoa.org/?sso=y
Connect with Dr. Jacquie Bowen
Dr. Jacquie M. Bowen, based in Greeley, Colorado, is the President-Elect of the American Optometric Association (AOA), elected in June 2024. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern California College of Optometry and completed a residency in ocular disease at Omni Eye Specialists in Denver.
Dr. Bowen owned and operated a private practice, See Life Family Vision, for over 30 years before partnering with MyEyeDr. in 2021. She has been actively involved in professional organizations, serving as past president of the Colorado Optometric Association (COA) and as a member of various committees within the AOA.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquie-bowen-1140182a/
Website: https://www.aoa.org/?sso=y
Connect with Eugene Shatsman
Website – https://www.eugeneshatsman.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeneshatsman