Volume 9, Issue 27│July 18, 2025

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Nominations are still open, but not for long!

Only 13 days remaining to submit a nomination, all submissions are due July 31, 2025!

Click below for more information or to submit a nomination:

OD of the Year Nomination

Young OD of the Year Nomination

Student of the Year Nomiation

Paraoptometric of the Year Nomination

Registration is NOW OPEN 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!

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:

Thank you to the Southern Illinois Optometric Society for the donation to Eyes on Tomorrow Fund in honor of longtime IOA member Dr. Donna Spencer.

IN MEMORIAM

Donna Spencer

Dr. Donna Spencer

Dr. Donna Sebastian Spencer of Benton, IL, died on July 14th, 2025, after a prolonged illness caused by cancer.

She was born on February 28th,1957 in Sharon, PA; the daughter of Donald Sebastian and Carolynn (Nickle) Sebastian. She married Dr. David Keith Spencer on June 2, 1984.

She graduated magna cum laude with her Bachelor of Science from the University of Notre Dame and received her Doctorate of Optometry at Indiana University before working as an optometrist in Benton and McLeansboro.

Her greatest joy was using her talents to serve her church, St Joseph’s Catholic Church of Benton. She considered cantoring at mass with her husband, David, a great privilege. She spent many years teaching high school youth formation class followed by teaching the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) class for the past 10 years. She also enjoyed traveling and gardening but loved visiting her grandchildren more than anything.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. David Spencer; 3 children: Dr. Katie Krause (Dr. Kenny), Dr. Jenna McGoldrick (Zach) and Dr. Michael Spencer (Kaci); 10 grandchildren (Camille, Colin, Charlie and Cecilia Krause; Leo, Finn and Molly McGoldrick; and Luka, Noah and Brady Spencer); 2 sisters, Laurie Koval (Bob) and Linda Collins (Bob); 3 brothers-in-law, Dennis (Kim), Craig (Suzanne) and Duane (Kelly) Spencer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her father and mother, Donald, and Carolynn “Lynn” Sebastian; her father-in-law, Russell Spencer; her brother, Don Sebastian; and her infant son.

MEMBER BENEFITS

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.

School Eye Exam Info Sheet

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.

Donate here

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.

Donate here

Medicare Fee Schedules:

Email Your Question Here

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.)

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.

Resources here

Filing a complaint? Use the resources below to get started.

Vision Plans & Insurance Companies:

Dept of Insurance Complaint Submission - How to File a Complaint

Office of the Illinois Attorney General - File a Complaint

Report illegal and unsafe contact lens sales to the FDA & FTC:

Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act compliance and safety | AOA

IDFPR:

IDFPR | File a Complaint

Medicaid Managed Care Complaint Portal:

Managed Care Provider Resolution Portal | HFS

8/26: Southwestern IL Optometric Society Meeting

9/25 - 9/28: IOA Annual Meeting

10/22: IL Valley Optometric Society Meeting

INDUSTRY NEWS

New Tariff Increase Leave Optical Industry Bracing for Impact

Optometry Times | By Jordana Joy

July 10, 2025

With letters having recently been sent from the White House to several US trading partners about tariff increases set to take effect on August 1, The Vision Council has noted “significant implications for the optical industry’s international supply chains and bottom lines,” according to a news release.1 CBS News has reported that President Donald J. Trump has warned 20 countries that import duties will be due and reciprocal tariffs will be in effect starting next month.2

Myanmar and Laos will be hit with a 40% tariff rate, with Thailand and Cambodia’s rate at 36%; Bangladesh and Serbia at 35%; Indonesia at 32%; South Africa, Bosnia, Algeria, Iraq, Libya, and Herzegovina at 30%; Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Brunei, Moldova, and Tunisia at 25%; and the Philippines at 20%.2

Although China will not be affected by the August 1 deadline, the country faces a separate tariff increase that has not been specified by the White House but has been reported to be upward of 55%. This increase is scheduled to go into effect on August 12, according to The Vision Council.1

“These tariffs represent a direct challenge to the financial models and sourcing strategies of manufacturers, labs, distributors, and independent retailers in the optical space,” The Vision Council stated in the release. “With increased duties on components and finished goods, businesses will need to carefully reevaluate global sourcing strategies, pricing and margin structures, and inventory and logistics planning.

“Uncertainty also persists around how US Customs will enforce these measures and whether product-specific tariffs (eg, for metals or chemicals used in frames and lenses) will be adjusted accordingly.”

The White House has also stated that it will continue issuing notifications regarding changing duty rates to other US trade partners. Experts are expecting countries to continue to negotiate trade agreements with the US, but if these countries fail to reach trade deals before the August 1 and 12 deadlines and the US implemented no further changes, the increase retaliatory tariff rates will go into effect, according to the release.1

The Vision Council will also continue to update the optical industry and provide guidance and resources for members. The organization currently provides tariff development updates, a tariff dashboard that simulates the financial impact of tariffs for different optical products, and other industry resources including country-specific duty explanations and webinar recordings.1

View references

Major Optometry Legislative Wins Including Physician Pay Hike and Tax Relief

Review of Optometry | By Staff

July 16, 2025

After weeks of intense lobbying in Washington, doctors of optometry and advocates from the American Optometric Association (AOA) celebrated key victories as the sweeping budget reconciliation bill—H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—was signed into law July 4.

The nearly 1,000-page measure, backed by the Trump administration and Congressional allies, sets economic direction for years to come and includes several optometry-supported provisions.

2.5% Physician Pay Increase, Tax Breaks Cemented

AOA’s advocacy helped secure a 2.5% physician pay increase for 2026, staving off a planned Medicare payment cut. The organization helped lay the groundwork for future positive annual pay updates for all physicians.

For small and mid-sized optometry practices, the final bill includes a permanent extension of the 20% small business pass-through tax deduction, originally slated to end in 2026. AOA also stopped a proposal that would have barred optometry practices from deducting state and local taxes at the pass-through entity level, preserving a key tool for many practices’ financial health.

No New Restrictions Target Optometrists

Despite opposition from anti-optometry interests, the legislation contains no provisions that single out optometrists or restrict their expanding role in health care.

Ongoing Vigilance Needed for Medicare, Medicaid and Research

AOA leaders emphasize that continued attention is needed as new federal rules roll out.

Medicare: The payment system still needs permanent reform to prevent future annual cuts for optometrists and other doctors.
Medicaid: New eligibility and funding requirements could affect reimbursement and coverage. AOA and state affiliates will monitor developments to protect eye care access.
Veterans’ Health Care: The fight continues to maintain full recognition and practice authority for optometrists in the Department of Veterans Affairs, as some groups seek to curtail these rights.
Research and Education: Proposals to restructure federal research funding and new changes in student loan rules require ongoing advocacy to ensure fairness for optometry programs and students.

PBM Reform Left Out—But Fight Continues

A setback for many: key Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform measures were stripped from the final bill despite broad support. Advocates are already working to advance both PBM and Vision Benefit Manager (VBM) reforms in future Congressional packages, potentially by year’s end.

ILLINOIS NEWS

State Comptroller Susana Mendoza Says She Won’t Run for Reelection, Setting Up 2027 Chicago Mayoral Bid

WTTW | By Heather Cherone

July 16, 2025

Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced Wednesday she will not run for reelection as Illinois comptroller as she weighs 2027 bid for Chicago mayor.

Mendoza’s decision not to seek a fourth term as the state’s chief fiscal control officer is likely to set off an intense race for a coveted statewide office and signals the start of the 2027 mayoral election cycle, even though the election is 587 days away.

Mendoza made the announcement at a Little Village restaurant.

Mendoza, the first woman to serve as Chicago city clerk, served in that role under former Mayor Rahm Emanuel before winning a special election to replace former Illinois Comptroller Judy Barr Topinka.

Mendoza had already launched a bid for a third term as comptroller when Emanuel announced he would not run for reelection in 2019, setting off a massive scramble.

Mendoza finished fifth, winning just 9% of the vote, trailing former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, former U.S. Commerce Secretary Bill Daley and businessman Willie Wilson in the first round of voting.

Mendoza’s campaign was hobbled by her connection to now-convicted former Ald. Ed Burke (14th Ward). Burke supported Mendoza’s election as city clerk, and she often referred to his wife, former Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke, as her “mentor.”

Lightfoot won that election, which was defined by Burke’s indictment, only to lose her reelection bid in 2023 to Mayor Brandon Johnson.

During Johnson’s first two years in office, Mendoza has used her office — and her social media accounts — to blast Johnson’s policies and initiatives and portray his stewardship of the city’s finances as reckless and incompetent.

In addition, Mendoza has routinely criticized Johnson’s public safety agenda and accused him of not doing enough to support Chicago police officers.

A member of the party’s moderate wing, Mendoza has slammed a state law that ended the use of cash bail, saying it “permits violent offenders accused of heinous crimes to be released on electronic monitoring.”

Rep. Paul Jacobs to Seek Reelection

WSIU | By Brad Palmer

June 1, 2025

State Representative Paul Jacobs Monday officially announced his campaign for re-election.

The Pomona republican says he'll continue to fight for the rights of southern Illinoisans if re-elected.

Jacobs has been a Republican member of the Illinois House from the 118th district since January 11, 2023. During the middle of his first term, new legislative district maps were approved by the General Assembly and signed into law in September 2021, moving Jacobs' residence to the 118th district. He previously represented the 115th district during the 102nd General Assembly session, from January 2021 until its adjournment in January 2023.

Jacobs has been adamant about being pro-life, pro 2nd Amendment, pro term limits, and opposed to all tax increases, sanctuary cities and sanctuary state.

IDPH Declares End of Measles Outbreak in Southern Illinois

IDPH | Press Release

July 11, 2025

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is taking action to prevent the national spread of measles in Illinois. A total of eight measles cases, all linked to one another, were identified in Southern Illinois in April and May.

In addition to the eight Southern Illinois cases, two additional, unrelated cases were identified in Cook County around the same time. Those did not constitute an outbreak, and there was no further indication of any additional spread beyond those two individuals.

No new Illinois cases have been diagnosed since May 22^nd; two full incubation periods (42 days) have elapsed since the last confirmed case, allowing the Department to declare the outbreak over.

The Illinois measles cases came as the nation is facing the largest number of cases nationwide since measles was officially eliminated from the U.S. in 2000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported the highest number of annual cases across the nation in 33 years-- 1288 confirmed cases across 39 jurisdictions in 2025 alone.

92% of cases have affected unvaccinated individuals or individuals whose vaccination status is unknown. There have been 3 deaths from measles in the U.S. this year, equaling the total measles deaths nationwide between 2001 and 2024.

“The end of this outbreak, capping at just 8 cases and no serious illnesses in Illinois, is a testament to the deliberate, decisive, and successful work of our public health and medical professionals,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Public health is made stronger by the power of partnership, and this measles response was a coordinated effort that included IDPH, local health departments, as well as other dedicated community and health care partners. Vaccination remains our most effective tool to prevent measles. I recommend that Illinois residents make sure that they and their family members are up to date on the

measles/mumps/rubella vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations.”

A significant contributing factor in containing or preventing outbreaks of infectious disease is immunization. According to the CDC, one dose of measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93% effective against measles and two doses are 97% effective in protection from measles. Measles is easily spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. Measles can cause serious and long-term complications, including pneumonia and brain infections leading to long term brain and nerve damage. Around one in five children under five years of age end up hospitalized with measles, where unvaccinated children experience severe illness or even death.

IDPH stresses the importance of ensuring everyone is up to date on immunizations. The MMR vaccine has proven to be much safer than getting natural infection. There has been no link established between autism and the MMR vaccine through multiple scientific studies both in the US and in other countries.

However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination rates in the United States have dropped, increasing the likelihood of vaccine-preventable disease spread. Individuals can protect themselves and their communities by ensuring their families are up to date on all recommended vaccines.

When the first Illinois case of measles was identified in April 2025, IDPH and involved local health departments mobilized to

identify all potential sources of exposure,
instruct those who were exposed and non-immune to quarantine,
alert the health care community of the situation,
issue news releases and social media posts to provide the public with information on ways to protect themselves, and
promote preventive immunizations to help those who would have otherwise been vulnerable to contracting measles.

Among specific actions that were taken:

Local health departments rapidly identified individuals who were infected or exposed, encouraged isolation and quarantine where needed, and monitored and provided guidance to affected individuals to ensure they were receiving proper care and had taken all necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the virus.
The Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department, Jackson County Health Department, and neighboring local health departments conducted vaccine outreach clinics in their communities. IDPH activated mobile vaccinations to assist with immunization efforts across the state, procuring emergency services from CIMPAR to deliver 14 mobile immunization clinics.
IDPH launched a major, strategic measles communications effort targeting zip codes with school vaccination rates for MMR below 91 percent. More than 2.5 million people were reached through this effort.
IDPH updated its website with easy to navigate measles information for healthcare facilities, parents, travelers and schools in addition to developing a new measles toolkit for health professionals.
IDPH expanded its laboratory capacity to conduct in-house testing for the measles vaccine strain and reduce the turnaround time relative to awaiting results from the CDC.
IDPH issued multiple health advisories, news releases, and social media posts, including an IDPH podcast episode devoted to information about measles and a Dear Colleague letter from Director Vohra addressing the department’s preparedness plans.
IDPH sent messages to more than 2,000 school administrators and school nurses statewide to alert them to the potential for measles exposures in the school setting, survey them on potential barriers to vaccination, and advise them on actions to take.
IDPH launched a measles school outbreak prediction dashboard to help local officials determine risk factors and evaluate what additional steps might be necessary.
IDPH launched a pharmacist targeted survey on the statewide inventory related to medical counter measures (post exposure prophylaxis) against measles.
IDPH engaged sister state agencies including the Departments of Children and Family Services, Healthcare and Family Services, Early Childhood, Human Services, and the State Board of Education, along with Regional Offices of Education, Head Start programs, and professional societies.

IDPH appreciates the intense level of time, dedication and resources it took to successfully mitigate such an outbreak and the critical importance of public health emergency preparedness funding in keeping Illinois residents safe.

NATIONAL NEWS

Thousands Laid off from NIH, FDA and CDC After Supreme Court Decision

Health Day | By I. Edwards

July 16, 2025

WEDNESDAY, July 16, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Thousands of health workers lost their jobs this week after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for the Trump administration to move forward with major staffing cuts.

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized 10,000 layoffs across federal health agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The New York Times reported.

The layoffs followed a March announcement by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who called for a major department overhaul.

The affected workers included staff responsible for travel logistics, communication, medical research contracts and other related tasks.

“Thank you for your service to the American people,” said an email sent to workers as they were removed from the payroll.

Some employees who received layoff notices April 1 first learned they were let go when their building access badges stopped working.

But many people still remained officially on the payroll until 5 p.m. Monday, when the high court allowed the administration to move forward, even as legal challenges continue, The Times said.

While the administration called many of the jobs "redundant," critics liken the cuts to having doctors but no support staff in a hospital.

“What I have seen is some of the very best people, people who have alternatives, who have choices, have decided they just don’t want to stay in this limbo land,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health who was former President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 response coordinator.

Jha warned that the ongoing staffing cuts could cause more employees to leave. "They don’t want to be in an organization that’s under such upheaval,” he said.

In total, HHS plans to cut about 20,000 jobs this year. That includes earlier layoffs, early retirements and buyouts. The department is also shrinking its number of divisions from 28 to 15, The Times said.

While officials pointed to the department’s $1.8 trillion budget as a reason for the cuts, experts said payroll represented less than 1% of that amount. Most of the money funds programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

A federal lawsuit filed in Rhode Island by 19 states and Washington, D.C., claims the layoffs hurt essential health services. Some states lost access to help lines for quitting smoking, testing for sexually transmitted diseases and more.

A judge recently said that the changes appear to be unlawful, according to The Times, but the case is still ongoing. HHS says workers involved in that lawsuit were not among those laid off this week.

Some of those let go handled public records, raising questions about government transparency, an NIH official told reporters. Other affected workers had supported contracts related to medical research.

Despite being placed on leave earlier this year, some of these employees were still asked to work, showing how hard it was for agencies to make do without them, The Times reported.

At the FDA, staff who coordinated international inspections were among those let go Monday. Others were let go in April but have since been rehired to fill gaps in services.

Responding to lawmakers last month, Kennedy said hundreds of laid-off workers were brought back, including experts in food safety, drug approvals and lead poisoning response.