Dear Colleagues,

I want to express my personal thanks and gratitude to all of you for the immense effort that you have put forth over the last few years in our attempt to improve Alabama’s optometric scope of practice. We are not done, however, recent developments indicate a pause in our agenda. As you know, our scope bill lost by a one vote margin in the Senate Healthcare Committee last year. Our keypersons have been working diligently to garner enough support in that committee to pass this legislation. Unfortunately, we have determined that there is a lack of sufficient support in the Alabama Senate Healthcare Committee to move forward with legislation at this time.

While this current setback may seem disheartening, it is essential to view it as a temporary hurdle rather than a definitive roadblock. The legislative process is inherently fluid, subject to evolving political dynamics and shifting priorities. As such, we must regroup, reassess our strategies, and continue to engage with key stakeholders to build momentum for future legislative endeavors. As the landscape evolves, opportunities for progress may emerge, presenting renewed avenues for advancing optometric scope of practice expansion in the future. The ALOA Board will continue to assess the situation and capitalize where opportunities exist. 

In the meantime, the next election cycle is just around the corner. We need an optometrist in every campaign! It is essential that every optometrist get involved at some level beyond what you’ve done in the past. If we want to improve the future of optometry in Alabama, we must be willing to make meaningful investments of time, money, and energy in our local candidate’s campaigns. I urge you to stay engaged in this effort.

Sincerely,

Kristin Sullins, O.D.

President