Volume 9, Issue 34│September 5, 2025 | | | |
Ballots for the 2025-2026 IOA Board of Directors were distributed this morning. To learn more about the candidates please click below. The email with the ballot will come from katie@ioaweb.org via SurveyMonkey. If you don’t see it in your inbox, please check your junk/spam folder.
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Our special room block rate was EXTENDED, it is now open until Monday, September 8th. Reserve your spot today to guarantee the best price and convenience for the Annual Meeting! 📢
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Get Ready for Illinois Optometry’s Celebration! 🎉
Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 27 and join us for an unforgettable evening honoring the best in optometry. Celebrate this year’s award recipients and be inspired by remarks from incoming President & Chair, Dr. Clint Taylor. Then, get ready to unwind and enjoy a high-energy live performance by The Mix!
This is the can’t-miss event of the year! Come connect, celebrate, and have fun with colleagues from across Illinois!
| | Make plans to join us September 25–28 in Schaumburg, Illinois for the premier gathering of Illinois optometrists. Only 3 weeks until the IOA Annual Meeting! | | |
This year’s IOA Annual Meeting offers an unmatched opportunity to earn up to 18 hours of tested CE in one convenient event with all tests included in your registration!
Network with colleagues, gain fresh insights from top speakers, explore the latest innovations, and leave empowered to take your practice to the next level.
Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. Register today!
About the Annual Meeting:
| | September is Paraoptometric Appreciation Month! ✨ | September is Paraoptometric Appreciation Month, the only formal observance dedicated to honoring optometric staff and recognizing the value they bring to the success of every optometric practice. Throughout the month, practices across the country are encouraged to celebrate the dedication, skill, and professionalism of their paraoptometric team members, who play a vital role in patient care, office efficiency, and overall practice growth! | | |
MEMBER BENEFIT: FREE On-Demand CE Series!
Don't forget! The IOA offers FREE On-Demand CE, as part of your membership you gain access to a variety of free continuing education courses. Courses for the 2024-2026 licensing cycle are now available on the On-Demand CE platform. ODs can take all 18 regular hours of CE online through the On-Demand CE Series.
As an Illinois licensed CE provider, all courses taken through IOA will count for an Illinois license renewal.
| | 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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The Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act has been reintroduced by Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA)!
The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety commends Rep. Griffith for his enduring support of patient safety and urges his fellow members of the U.S. House of Representatives to co-sponsor the Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act (H.R. 4282). Take action now and send a letter to your lawmakers urging them to support this critical bill.
The Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act, H.R. 4282, is vital to enhancing patient safety by modernizing the contact lens prescription verification process for millions of contact lens wearers. It would prohibit telephone calls with an artificial or prerecorded voice, also known as robocalls, from being used as a method for verifying patients’ prescriptions.
The bill amends the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act (FCLCA), landmark legislation that allows millions of Americans to purchase their contact lenses online. The FCLCA explicitly allows the use of telephone, fax, or e-mail for verifying the validity of contact lens prescriptions, but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has interpreted the law to also allow for robocall verification. The information relayed in robocalls is often received by a number not belonging to a doctor of optometry or an ophthalmologist, or does not align with a patient’s medical record, making it difficult, or even impossible, to correctly identify the patient and the proper prescription.
Verification with doctors' offices is crucial to ensuring accurate and safe prescriptions, and robocalls put this process at risk. As a result, patients can end up with outdated or incorrect prescriptions, potentially causing serious health complications, including infections and other sight-threatening conditions.
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Hiring ODs: What the 10 Most Popular Job Listings Have in Common
For practice owners struggling to find an OD, posting a position on the AOAExcel Career Center provides an immediate avenue to reach a new slew of potential candidates across the country. But even with the right venue, it’s crucial to create a compelling job listing to attract the perfect candidate. To help give you an idea of what to include in your listing, AOAExcel researched the most viewed Career Center positions and noted what they all have in common:
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Start with a Descriptive Title—Stand out from generic “Optometrist” job titles. The most viewed Career Center listings all include eye-catching, descriptive titles. Consider including a nearby point of interest, a salary figure or particularly attractive benefit, details on the role—like “private,” “medical" or "optical”—or specifics on candidate type like “new grads welcome.”
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Include Salary and Benefits—An attractive salary and benefit package will appeal to seekers and assure them that your position is worth pursuing. It is common and encouraged to list expected salary, benefits like insurance and retirement plans, and any sign-on bonuses or revenue share opportunities up front.
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Highlight Community—Posting on a nationwide career center likely means your candidate will be making a significant move for them and their family. Highlighting the best aspects of your community, whether that’s a great school system, unique cultural opportunities, or proximity to nature and recreational sites, can help paint a picture of what life will look like for prospective candidates.
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Introduce Your Practice and Team—Showcase everything that makes your practice a great place to work. Mention any cutting-edge technology you use, provide a preview of your services or treatment focus, and describe the facility and exam rooms. Introduce potential candidates to your staff, your practice’s values, and any plans for the future of the role and your practice.
Remember that a listing is your first and best way to make an impression on a job seeker. The more you can show candidates what working at your practice will look like, the more interest your listing will generate. If you would like more help creating a job listing, the AOAExcel Career Center experts are available to review your listing and provide one-on-one assistance. Plus, AOA members receive 50% off on job listings. Learn more.
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Nominate Today for the 2026 AOA Leadership Institute!
Nominations are now open for the AOA Leadership Institute 2026, designed to prepare optometry’s champions to take on impactful roles at the local, state and national levels.
The Leadership Institute is a six-month program (January - June 2026) that equips participants with the skills, confidence and connections to lead within their affiliates and the AOA. Graduates will join 600+ leaders who have completed the program with enhanced leadership capacity and readiness to step into key roles across the profession.
Program highlights include:
- Personal and professional attribute assessment.
- Leadership branding.
- Leading change.
- Negotiation skills.
- Public speaking training (delivered in person at Optometry's Meeting® in Phoenix, June 18-19, 2026).
Key details:
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Nominations may be submitted via the Leadership Institute Nomination Form.
- Affiliates are encouraged to nominate at least three doctors, but there is no limit to the number of nominations.
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Nominations close October 31, 2025.
- Once nominated, doctors will receive an application to complete. Those accepted will be notified in November, with the program officially beginning in January 2026.
We encourage you to consider doctors who show leadership potential and a passion for advancing optometry, whether they are seasoned volunteers or new voices ready to step up.
Thank you for your support in developing the next generation of leaders for our profession.
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Commotio Retinae in a Teenager
Modern OD | By Christopher Borgman, OD
July/August, 2025
Commotio retinae (CR) is a self-limited transient opacification of the retina secondary to direct blunt ocular trauma. The most common causes of CR are assault, falls, and occupational, exercise-related, and sports injuries.1-5 CR occurs in an estimated 9.4% of all ocular trauma cases.
Affected patients may experience other concurrent trauma-related complications such as subretinal fluid (14%), a choroidal rupture (4%), a subretinal hemorrhage (6%), a vitreous hemorrhage (4%), a blowout fracture (33%), and, most commonly, traumatic iritis (82%).
CR has been shown to be related to photoreceptor damage of the outer segment. The retinal pigment epithelium may be included as well.1,2,6,9 When confined to the macula and other retinal areas in the posterior pole, CR is referred to as Berlin edema.3,4,10,11 In a small case series, women were more likely than men to experience macula-involved CR.
DIAGNOSIS:
On average, patients presenting with CR are 24 to 43 years of age, and the majority are male (72-79% of cases).
OCT imaging has revealed no increase in retinal thickness suggestive of edema, thereby resolving the debate over whether CR is retinal edema or a disruption of the photoreceptors. The mechanism of photoreceptor damage is believed to be mechanical in nature. Blunt trauma transmits a concussive force to the photoreceptors, making the disruption clinically visible.
OCT scans of CR typically show hyperreflectivity of the involved retinal tissues, the junction of the photoreceptor outer segment, and the retinal pigment epithelium. Because spectral-domain OCT provides superior resolution of retinal tissue, this modality is better than time-domain OCT for imaging the hyperreflectivity.
AREAS OF CURRENT RESEARCH:
The Potential Role of OCT Angiography
A small number of studies using OCT angiography have demonstrated a change in the macular capillary plexus in CR eyes compared with the uninvolved contralateral eyes. A recent case report, however, indicated that OCT angiography might also be a useful modality for evaluating peripheral CR. Further research on the technology’s clinical utility is required.
The Effects of CR
A retrospective study analyzed alterations in choroidal structure in 51 eyes with CR. The central choroid was found to be significantly less thick in the injured versus the healthy contralateral eye in 70% of cases. Another study suggested rods may be more involved in and susceptible to CR than cones. Further research is required to examine these findings.
MANAGEMENT:
Observation is appropriate for most patients with CR. Clinical symptoms typically resolve without treatment in approximately 1 month, and most affected individuals regain their baseline visual acuity. Approximately 92% of patients of CR had a final UCVA of 20/40 or better 6 months after trauma.
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IDPH Looks at Potential Multistate Coalition to Offset Federal Health Policy Changes
Health News IL | By Ryan Voyles
September 5, 2025
Department of Public Health officials said Thursday they are exploring multistate collaborations to coordinate public health guidelines separate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Matt Smith, IDPH's chief policy officer, said during Thursday's State Board of Health meeting that they have held conversations with other states in the Midwest and on both coasts to learn about their current guideline frameworks and how they plan to work with other states.
“(Then we’ll look) more regionally to see if there are opportunities for collaboration going forward as well,” he said.
The governors of California, Washington and Oregon announced this week they will form a West Coast Health Alliance to coordinate public health guidelines separate from federal policy.
The move comes a week after the White House ousted the CDC Director, Dr. Susan Monarez, after clashing with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. on vaccine policy. Four top agency leaders promptly announced their resignations in solidarity.
IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said last week that the agency will look to establish its own guidelines for who should receive COVID-19 vaccines and other immunizations for the coming fall respiratory season.
He said the agency will consider guidance from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — though he noted that its members were fired and replaced earlier this year by Kennedy allies who have raised concerns about vaccine safety.
The Food and Drug Administration has narrowly approved the COVID-19 vaccines for people over 65 and those with a high-risk medical condition who consult with doctors.
Dr. Jennifer Seo, the agency's pediatric medicine medical advisor, said they have been looking at several avenues to ensure Illinois families have access to vaccines.
She noted the “vast majority” of school-required immunizations are not tied to the federal advisory committee recommendations, but further conversations may be needed to “ensure that evidence-based immunizations remain accessible to Illinoisans.”
Seo said conversations are also ongoing with the state’s health insurers on vaccine coverage and how they'll handle federal recommendations in addition to those of professional associations and other medical groups.
Other conversations are happening with pharmacy groups to address any barriers to their providing vaccines to those who request them.
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IDPH Looks to Develop Guidelines for COVID-19 Vaccines, Immunizations
Health News IL | By Ryan Voyles
September 3, 2025
The Department of Public Health said Friday it will look to establish its own guidelines for who should receive COVID-19 vaccines and other immunizations for the coming fall respiratory season.
Agency Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said last week’s federal shakeup at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which included the firing of director Susan Monarez and the departure of several top officials that oversaw vaccine policy, are the latest example that the Trump administration and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. are making vaccine decisions in “direct contradiction” to scientific consensus.
Vohra noted in the open letter that the state is currently reviewing national and state data, as well as seeking guidance from medical specialty societies, state and national experts and its own Immunization Advisory Committee for recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines and other immunizations for the fall respiratory season.
“IDPH will then provide our own specific guidance by the end of September to help Illinois health care providers and residents make informed decisions about vaccination and protecting themselves and their loved ones,” Vohra said. “Illinois needs to and will lead with a manner that ensures that healthcare providers and residents can trust the recommendations we make.”
He said the agency will consider guidance from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — though he noted that its members were fired and replaced earlier this year by Kennedy allies who have raised concerns about vaccine safety.
The Food and Drug Administration has narrowly approved the COVID-19 vaccines for people over 65 and those with a high-risk medical condition who consult with doctors.
A report last week said IDPH is also looking at purchasing COVID-19 vaccines directly from manufacturers to ensure availability.
The agency did not directly respond to that report on Friday, but said that it is “exploring every avenue to ensure that Illinois residents have science-based and evidence-informed recommendations about, and access to, immunizations that protect all of us from serious illness and disease.”
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Inside Illinois: Campaign Roundup
— Governor’s race: Ted Dabrowski makes it official: He has formally entered the race for the Republican nomination for governor with a $250,100 loan to his recently formed campaign committee, reports the Tribune’s Rick Pearson. Dabrowski also stepped down from Wirepoints, the conservative online publication he has headed, via Wirepoints.
— Senate race: Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Don Tracy lends $2M to his campaign fund, by the Tribune’s Rick Pearson.
— Senate race: Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Raja Krishnamoorthi has been endorsed by the Illinois Federation of Teachers Local 1211. He's also been endorsed by Local 881 United Food and Commercial Workers and Painters District Council No. 30.
— Comptroller race: Democratic state Sen. Karina Villa has made it official. She’s launched her campaign for Illinois state comptroller. Helping kick off her campaign were U.S. Reps. Delia Ramirez and Chuy García.
— More comptroller race: Democratic state Rep. Margaret Croke has been endorsed by the St. Clair County Democrats, one of the top Democratic voting counties in the state, in her bid for comptroller.
— In IL-08: Sen. Dick Durbin has endorsed Yasmeen Bankole, a candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 8th District. It’s the seat currently held by Krishnamoorthi, who’s running for Durbin’s seat. Bankole is a former staffer for Durbin, working in his office for nearly six years.
— In IL-09: Daniel Biss has been endorsed by Chicago City Council members Andre Vasquez (40th), Timmy Knudsen (43rd) and Matt Martin (47th) in the Democratic primary race for the 9th District seat.
— In IL-13: Dylan Blaha launched his campaign to primary Democratic Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski in the 13th District. Blaha served 12 years in the Illinois Army National Guard.
— State Senate race: Sangamon County Recorder Frank Lesko launched his campaign for the Illinois Senate in the 48th District. He's a Republican hoping to unseat Democratic state Sen. Doris Turner.
— State Senate race: Cody Holt, a conservative activist and former U-46 School Board member, launched his bid for the Illinois Senate in the 33rd District. The seat is currently held by Republican state Sen. Don DeWitte, who isn’t seeking reelection.
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House Appropriations Committee Proposes 6% FY26 Budget Cut For HHS
Firece Healthcare| By Paige Minemyer
September 2, 2025
The House Appropriations Committee is proposing a 6% cut to the budget for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The panel released the proposed budget bill for the 2026 fiscal year that governs the HHS as well as the departments of Labor and Education, suggesting a $108 billion outlay for the HHS. That's $7 billion less than what was set aside for fiscal year 2025, according to a fact sheet (PDF).
In the announcement, the committee highlights that $48 billion is set for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with emphasis on the Trump administration's focus on tackling chronic disease. It also maintains Head Start funding at $12.3 billion and Child Care and Development Block Grants at $8.7 billion.
In the fact sheet, the committee specifically calls out that NIH's $48 billion is "a necessary counter to China’s growing threat in basic science research." The proposal would also bar buying supplies from China for the Strategic National Stockpile and instead focus on buying from American manufacturers.
And, while the panel did put a focus on funding outlays to NIH, it is proposing a 19% cut to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That reduction will also streamline 35 "duplicative and controversial programs" and focus the agency "on communicable diseases rather than social engineering," according to the fact sheet.
It would also entirely eliminate the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, or AHRQ, which the committee has deemed "duplicative."
The bill would also commit $3 billion to the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.
The budget proposal includes $1.85 billion in funding to support primary care services, including community health centers, and $1.36 billion to "strengthen the healthcare workforce," per the fact sheet.
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Check out the newest IOA classifieds here!
Northern IL:
Morrison IL Practice Seeking Part-time OD (Read more)
Great Full-time or Part-time Associate OD Opportunity Available (Read more)
American Vision Center is Seeking Full or Part Time OD (Read more)
Full or Part Time Optometrist to Join Bush Family Eye Care Team (Read more)
Part-Time Opportunity at Low Vision Rehab Non-Profit (Read more)
Optometrist Needed in Algonquin & Mundelein (Read more)
Optometrist Needed in Western Chicago Suburbs (Read more)
Optometrist Needed in Glenview & Pingree Grove IL (Read more)
Full or Part time OD Needed in Multi-Location Practice (Read more)
Full-Time or Part-Time OD Needed in Hodgkins (Read more)
Central IL:
Optometrist Opportunity – Advanced Medical Eye Care Practice (Read more)
Gailey Eye Clinic Seeking OD in Peoria/Galesburg (Read more)
OD Needed in Springfield IL (Read more)
Join the Community Eye Care Family (Read more)
Optometrist Needed in the Peoria area (Read more)
Southern IL:
Optometrist Needed in Southern IL & Greater STL Area (Read more)
Para & Key Staff:
Join our team as a dedicated Optician- No Weekends Required (Read more)
Practices for Sale:
Long-established family owned private practice in the South Chicago Suburbs (Read more)
22-Year-Old Private Practice for Sale in Oak Brook, IL (Read more)
Practice for Sale in Peoria, IL (Read more)
Equipment for Sale:
Canno RK 5 Autorefractor-Keratometer-PD-retro- illumination (Read more)
| | THANK YOU TO OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS! | |
Illinois Optometric Association
217-525-8012
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