UPDATE LD 1803

On Thursday May 15th, 2025 the HCIFS committee held a work session for Optometry's Bill LD1803. The committee made a decision to carry LD 1803 over to make time for a stakeholders work meeting(s) held this summer. The work meeting(s) will include both sides of LD1803 (Optometry and Ophthalmology) and a neutral facilitator. The purpose of the summer work meetings will be to find a compromise between the two parties. The MOA attempted to do this with ophthalmology prior to LD1803 being scheduled for public hearing, without success. Chair Bailey wasn't keen on ophthalmology taking a stance at the work session, making it clear they aren't interested in a stakeholder meeting, ophthalmology wanted this bill to be killed all together. Chair Bailey and Chair Mattieson both made it clear to ophthalmology to go into the stakeholders meeting with an open mind and willingness to work together or the HCIFS committee would make the decision for them. In January 2026, the committee will read the report from the stakeholder meeting(s) and come to a conclusion about LD1803 at that time. 

We will have a team from the MOA meeting over the summer months to work on LD1803 and work with ophthalmology. Be assured our team will have the Membership, optometry and your patients in mind. We want the best for Maine and Optometrists of Maine.

In turn we will need our MOA Membership reaching out to legislators, really being aware of friends, family and patients that are serving as legislators or connections with legislators and REPORT BACK TO MOA OFFICE with those connections.

The MOA office will continue to keep you up to date on our progress, asking for your support through Forward Focus donations and PAC support, as well as connecting with legislators.

We are working on a game plan moving into the next legislative session, and will share soon!

This is NOT a set back, only a pause in moving our Forward Focus goals forward- LD1803 is still alive and obtainable in the next session! We need to continue to talk about it to patients and staff and friends.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Thank you to all! Whether you testified in person, camped out in the Cross Building, watched the hearing online, or reached out to legislators, thank you for your incredible support of LD 1803.

The unified front presented by the optometry community made a lasting impression on lawmakers. Your voices, your presence, and your advocacy showed how strongly we stand behind this important legislation. It was a long day in a very warm room, and I’m so grateful for the time, energy, and commitment each of you brought to this effort.

To those who prepared testimony, participated in practice sessions, contacted and met with legislators, donated to Forward Focus, or simply showed up in whatever way you could—thank you. Your efforts reflect a deep dedication to the future of optometry in Maine.

The fight isn’t over and this is only the beginning. But with this level of unity and passion, I have no doubt we’re moving in the right direction.



With heartfelt appreciation,

Jessilin Quint

President-Maine Optometric Association