Volume 9, Issue 31│August 15, 2025 | | | LAST CALL — Early Bird registration for the 2025 Annual Meeting ends on Sunday, August 17. Register now to save! | | |
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Join us for the 2025 IOA Annual Meeting which will take place from September 25-28 in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Attendees can earn up to 18 hours of tested CE all in one meeting! Tests are included in the registration prices.
Join in for the Illinois Optometry's Celebration which will take place Saturday, September 27. Awards will be presented, and attendees will hear from incoming president & chair, Dr. Clint Taylor, followed by a performance from The Mix!
About the Annual Meeting:
| | The IOA's Executive Council met virtually this week to share updates and review current developments in optometry. | |
Thank you PAC donors!
Kevin Jara, OD
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ASCO Announces Another Year of Record Setting Applicants to Optometry Institutions for the 2024-2025 Application Cycle
ASCO | By Staff
August 2025
ASCO is happy to report optometry schools and colleges received the most applicants ever for the 2024-2025 OptomCAS application cycle.
The highlights include:
- Received the highest number of applicants to optometry institutions of 2,896.
- Experienced a 1% increase in applicants (2,896 vs. 2,868) compared to last cycle.
- Experienced a 1.5% decrease in the total number of applications submitted from the previous cycle (12,535 vs. 12,732). Applicants applied to an average of 4.3 schools and colleges.
- Received a 3.6% increase in Black/African American applicants (145 vs. 140) compared to last cycle. The highest number of Black/African American applicants occurred in 2020-2021 with 160 applicants.
- Received a 0.5% increase in Hispanic/Latino applicants (376 vs. 374). This year once again had the highest number of Hispanic/Latino applicants ever.
Applicants apply through OptomCAS, the Optometry Centralized Application Service, which launched on June 26 for application cycle 2025-2026. All 25 ASCO U.S. member schools and colleges participate in OptomCAS.
A full report on the 2024-2025 application cycle will be available at the end of the year. For answers to questions about the applicant pool and OptomCAS, visit www.optomcas.org or contact Paige Pence, ASCO Director of Student and Residency Affairs, at ppence@opted.org.
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MEMBER BENEFIT: Mandated School Eye Exam Resources
Looking for information on Mandated School Eye Exams? The IOA offers valuable resources to help you stay informed. All children enrolling in kindergarten in a public, private, or parochial school and any student enrolling for the first time in a public, private, or parochial school are required to have an eye examination.
Click the box below to learn more.
| | The Eyes on Tomorrow Fund, previously known as the Legislative Equity Fund, is a dedicated resource created by and for optometrists to support the Illinois Optometric Association’s (IOA) state-level advocacy efforts. This fund directly empowers optometry’s fight for scope expansion, the regulation of Vision Benefits Managers (VBMs), and other legislative battles crucial to protecting the profession and ensuring patient care. Unlike political action committees (PACs), this fund is not used to support candidates but instead provides critical resources for advancing optometry in Illinois. | | |
The PAC (Political Action Committee) is a group organized to promote its members' views on selected issues, usually through raising money that is contributed to the campaign funds of candidates who support the group's position to keep our friends in office. Now more than ever, we need strong, principled leaders who will fight for equal rights, and access to essential services —Will you pitch in today to help us protect our profession and the patients we serve?
Contributions to the IOA PAC can be made as a One-Time Donation or as Recurring Monthly Donation and deducted automatically from donor's bank account or charged to their credit card. Selecting to contribute a set amount on a monthly basis is a painless and effortless way to contribute to and support the IOA PAC. Contributions to the IOA PAC fund are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.
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We want to hear from YOU!
Do you have a business question or a dilemma we can answer for you? Others may have the same inquiry. Ask away! We will answer your question in an upcoming issue.
(Don't worry, we won't include your name.)
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Eye care practitioners should report all violations of the FCLCA, including instances in which contact lens sellers fail to comply with the prescription verification provisions of the law.
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Study Finds Link Between Osteoporosis and AMD in Women
— Female patients with low bone density were more than twice as likely to have any stage of the condition.
Review of Optometry | By Staff
August 13, 2025
Previous studies have indicated potential shared etiological factors between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and osteoporosis, such as systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, insufficient calcium intake and vitamin D deficiency. Piggybacking off this research, the authors of a new study aimed to test their hypothesis that AMD is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD), a hallmark of osteoporosis. Their findings revealed a link between low BMD and all stages of AMD in women, though there was no correlation between the two age-related conditions in men.
The study used a cross-sectional design, leveraging data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2008. A total of 4,550 participants aged 40 and older were included. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was employed to assess BMD, and fundus photography was used to evaluate AMD status. To elucidate both linear and non-linear relationships between the two conditions, the researchers applied various analytical methods to account for a range of confounding variables, such as age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, smoking habits and pre-existing health issues like diabetes or hypertension.
The results illuminated a significant association between low BMD and the increased incidence of AMD, particularly among women. Specifically, women diagnosed with osteoporosis exhibited an odds ratio of 2.25 for any form of AMD and an alarming 4.25 for severe, late-stage AMD when compared to those with normal bone density. This indicates that women with osteoporosis are over twice as likely to have any form of AMD and four times as likely to experience the more severe late-stage form of AMD. In men, the association between osteoporosis and all AMD types was not statistically significant (odds ratio: 1.68).
Notably, in women, the analysis showed a stronger correlation between femoral osteoporosis and AMD compared to that of spinal and lumbar osteoporosis. For each unit increase in total femoral BMD, there was a corresponding decrease of 0.08 in the total incidence of AMD in women, signifying a protective effect associated with higher bone density.
In their paper on the study, published in Scientific Reports, the authors proposed that estrogen levels might explain the pronounced correlation between AMD and low BMD in women. “In females,” they wrote, “estrogen plays a pivotal role in bone remodeling. The influence of estrogen significantly enhances calcium absorption in the duodenum, which may explain the significant correlation between the decline in estrogen levels in postmenopausal women and the increased prevalence of osteoporosis.” It’s also known that estrogen is closely connected to the development of AMD, the researchers pointed out, as the hormone “modulates several signaling pathways associated with AMD development and exerts protective effects against the progression of AMD.”
Subgroup analyses additionally indicated that Mexican American women with low BMD faced an even stronger correlation, with an odds ratio of 3.52 for AMD compared to non-Hispanic white women, who had an odds ratio of 1.86. Furthermore, individuals who had never smoked or consumed alcohol exhibited lower odds ratio values, suggesting that maintaining healthy lifestyle habits may help decrease the risk of developing AMD.
In summary, the authors note that while these findings indicate a significant link between osteoporosis in women and an increased risk of AMD, further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms behind this relationship, as both conditions may share certain genetic, environmental or metabolic factors. “Investigating their associations could lead to the identification of novel pathogenic genes, signaling pathways or biomarkers, thereby providing new insights and directions for elucidating the mechanisms underlying AMD,” they concluded.
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Investigating the Relationship Between Corneal Dystrophy and Mental Health Conditions Using the All of Us Research Program Database
Review of Optometry | By Staff
August 11, 2025
Investigators looked at the association between corneal dystrophy and mental health outcomes, specifically depression and anxiety disorders, in a large, socioeconomically diverse population.
They initiated a propensity score-matched cross-sectional study using electronic health record (EHR) data from the NIH's All of Us Research Program (AoURP).
Adults ages 18 and older from the AoURP v8 database, including individuals with a diagnosis of corneal dystrophy and matched controls without the condition, were included.
Individuals with corneal dystrophy and no prior surgical treatment were matched 1:1 to controls based on demographics and comorbidities using nearest neighbor propensity score matching without replacement. Covariate balance was assessed using standardized mean difference, with value less than 0.10 considered indicative of good balance. Prevalence comparisons and odds ratios were calculated post-matching. Subgroup and interaction analyses were performed by race, gender, and income.
Main outcome measures included prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders.
Among 371,398 participants with EHR data, 2,393 (0.6%) had corneal dystrophy without prior surgery; they were predominantly older (mean age 73.1), female (61.9%), and white (84.7%). Matched controls were well-balanced across covariates. Individuals with corneal dystrophy had significantly higher prevalence of depression (32.0% vs. 13.7%) and anxiety (32.4% vs. 16.0%) compared to controls (both p<0.001), with increased odds of depression (OR=1.8; 95% CI: 1.2-2.6) and anxiety disorders (OR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.5-3.5). Associations remained significant across race, gender, and income strata, with no significant effect modification by these factors.
Corneal dystrophy without prior surgical treatment was significantly associated with increased rates of depression and anxiety disorders. While demographic factors influence baseline mental health vulnerability, the psychological burden associated with corneal dystrophy persisted across populations. These findings highlight the need to consider the psychological well-being of patients with corneal dystrophy and suggest that integrating mental health awareness into ophthalmic care may benefit quality of life.
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CMS Approves Illinois’ Transition to State-Based Marketplace
Health News Illinois | By Ryan Voyles
August 12, 2025
Federal officials signed off Monday on Illinois’ transition to a state-based health insurance marketplace for the coming plan year.
The approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services means Illinoisans who were previously enrolled through Healthcare.gov will transition to Get Covered Illinois for their 2026 coverage starting Nov. 1.
“Today marks a pivotal step towards bringing quality, affordable healthcare to all Illinoisans,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement. “Operating a state-based marketplace will allow our state more flexibility to provide health insurance coverage that is tailored to the needs of our residents.”
Illinois began the transition last year, which included a new $6.5 million grant program to support a navigator network.
The Department of Insurance is set to launch a customer assistance center in October to assist customers seeking coverage.
“At a time when the federal government is announcing healthcare cuts, Illinois is investing in building a marketplace that aims to increase access to health coverage for our residents,” said agency Director Ann Gillespie.
Open enrollment begins in November and runs through January 15.
Officials acknowledged that insurance costs are set to rise for enrollees as federal officials have reduced tax credits and premium tax credits are set to expire.
“Get Covered Illinois and our partners are committed to helping customers navigate these challenges and to finding the right coverage option,” said marketplace Director Morgan Winters.
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State Senator Mary Edly-Allen Announces Candidacy for 10th District State Central Committeewoman
State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (Grayslake), proudly announces her candidacy for the open seat for State Central Committeewoman for Illinois’ 10th Congressional District in a Press Release. A lifelong advocate for Democratic values, Senator Edly-Allen brings over 25 years of experience living, working, and organizing in the district she calls home. For nearly two years, Edly-Allen has served as the President of Lake County Democratic Women (LCDW) and has led with energy, vision, and purpose. She has worked hard mentoring, supporting, and helping elect a new generation of strong Democratic candidates to local offices across the 10th Congressional District and throughout Lake County. Her leadership has revitalized local engagement and strengthened the Democratic bench.
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Hanley Officially Kicks Off Bid for State Senate
Evanston Now reports that Patrick Hanley, an environmental activist and political organizer from Winnetka, officially launched his campaign to replace State Sen. Laura Fine at a well-attended event in Skokie. Hanley, who co-founded Operation Swing State, secured enough petition signatures to appear on the March ballot. Hanley launched his campaign shortly after Schakowsky announced her retirement and Fine declared her run for Congress. The race to replace Schakowsky in Congress is crowded, with multiple candidates including state senators and local leaders.
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State Rep. Moylan Garing Up For 7th and Final Term
Journal-Topics |By Todd Wessell
August 12, 2025
Longtime State Rep. Marty Moylan (D-55th) will seek a seventh term in the Illinois House of Representatives and if he’s victorious, it will be his last.
Moylan, 74, was first elected state representative in 2013. Prior to that, he served as mayor of Des Plaines and 2nd ward alderman. He was also a business agent for the Chicagoland electrical union. His son, Colt, is currently 2nd ward alderman and works for the same union as his father did. Moylan has been involved in numerous local political campaigns for decades. Once he’s retired, Moylan vowed to continue his involvement in local elections and politics.
One of the primary reasons he wants to serve for another two years is to work on completion of the Chicago area’s mass transit funding bill. Moylan explained that he has been working on that legislation for the last year. While a proposed bill could be approved in the November General Assembly Veto Session, it’s unlikely because it would require a larger than usual number of votes in favor. After January, the number of votes required for passage is 60, said Moylan.
Moylan, along with dozens of candidates seeking various elected offices in the spring primary and November general elections are currently circulating petitions with signatures of registered voters to earn a position on the fall ballot. Valid petitions must be turned into the state near the end of October.
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Illinois Optometric Association
217-525-8012
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