President's Message:
How a Bill Becomes a Law...with Ladders
Matt Valdes, OD, FAAO
TOA President
How a bill becomes a law…with ladders
You’re probably playing the School House Rock song in your head right now. This iconic children’s song outlined the steps required for a bill to become a law. On the surface, it would appear to be a fairly simple process. In practice, it’s anything but straight forward.
Serving on the TOA board has given me a unique perspective into legislative efforts that not many get to experience, one that I feel our members need to see from time to time. The art of advocacy could best be described by the popular children’s game, Chutes and Ladders. A simple premise, move your way up the board with the roll of a single die, until you reach the end. Along the way, you may land on a ladder, which advances you closer to the finish, or a chute, which slides you backwards, extending the game.
Unlike the game, in the legislative process there are few ladders and a disproportionate number of chutes, which often leads to a killed bill. Compound this with a 100-year pandemic, and you’ve got a narrow margin of error. As our in-house counsel so often reminds us, “There are a thousand ways to kill a bill and only one way to pass it.”
What took place during the last legislative session and the passing of SB993, was nothing short of a masterfully executed strategy in the face of many “chutes”. Grassroots advocacy, effective communication/messaging, fundraising and key relationships formed over decades were required for an effective campaign. Although there are no guarantees and situations can change rapidly during a legislative session, the work put forth by the TOA on passing SB993 was on full display with the final vote being 144-2 and 30-0 in the house and senate, respectively.
A question I often get from members is, “How can I help?” By building ladders. When you maintain your membership within the association, you’ve helped build a ladder. Joining TOPAC to ensure the support of legislative efforts for safe and effective eye and vision care, you're helping build a ladder. By simply getting to know your local legislators and developing a personal relationship, you are building a ladder that could be consequential 10 years down the line.
So, I’ll end with this, our fight continues. The next legislative session is less than a year away and strategies are already being formulated today to improve the profession and patient care for tomorrow. We would not be able to accomplish what we do without the support of you, our members and we thank you for entrusting us with this great responsibility. I look forward to serving the association and profession this coming year.
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Meet YOUR
2022-2023 Texas Optometric Association Board of Trustees
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Haven't met the 2022 TOA Board of Trustees? Click below and view the dedicated board of optometrists now serving as TOA Executive Committee and Board Trustees.
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"Doctors of Optometry working together to advance excellence in eyecare for every Texan"
- TOA Mission Statement
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Practice Safety, Patient Trust
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When we ask doctors to summarize the value of maintaining rock-solid OSHA and HIPAA protocols in their practice, we hear the same answer. They keep everyone — patients and staff — safe. But can maintaining a risk-free practice environment also support your bottom line? The answer is yes, and the reason lies with something that's important for every practice: building patient trust.
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7+ hours of Optometrist Continuing Education
PLUS: 2 additional Wet Lab hours (Limited Seating)
BONUS: FREE Webinar on the required Opioid and the Professional Responsibility Courses. Compliments of PCS and University of Houston College of Optometry.
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TOPICS INCLUDE:
- Analyzing OCT Data, Myopia Management, Contact Lens Billing, Critical Customer Service Skills, Gonioscopy, Dry Wet Lab, and more...
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Prevent Blindness Texas Honored William Elizondo, OD
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William "Bill" Elizondo, OD, was honored for his pivotal role in optometry's history by Prevent Blindness Texas as keynote speaker during their "PBT Night at the Museum" event. Dr. Elizondo was presented with resolutions from Senator Jose Menendez (District 26) and Representative Ira Minjarez (District 124).
In attendance with Dr. Elizondo (center) are TOA President Matt Valdes, OD, FAAO (left), and Past TOA President Sandra Fortenberry, OD, FAAO (right).
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TOA's Newest Members!
TOA is proud to welcome our latest members.
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Samira Alejos OD; CTOS
Ansu Mariam Bensen, OD; NETOS
Courtney Cates, OD; DCOS
Michael Cerean, OD; BCDOS
Kim Van Chau OD; HCOS
Ellen Crothers OD; CTOS
Glenwood Deshaw OD; DCOS
Julie Ervin OD; TCOS
Michael Feeser OD; WTOS
Herman Gerdes OD; HTOS
Catherine Hall, OD; DCOS
Jesal Haribhakti OD; BCDOS
Julia Jose, OD; DCOS
Ranjit Kaur, OD; CTOS
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Tanya Kohli OD; CTOS
Shannon Lebus OD; ETOS
Maurice Leung, OD; COS
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Chi-Quang Nguyen OD; HCOS
Theresa Nguyen OD; CTOS
Nna Okochi OD; CTOS
Allison Orr OD; CTOS
Jay Pravda, OD; HCOS
Robert Ramos, OD; CTOS
Kaitlyn Sapoznik OD, PhD; HCOS
Mintra Sattam OD; HCOS
Vidhi Shah OD; TCOS
Justin Simbulan, OD; HCOS
Lacey Thames OD; CTOS
Maria Walker, OD, PhD, FAAO; HCOS
Jake Wysiadlowski OD; CTOS
Matthew Zemanovich OD; CTOS
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Interested in becoming a member? Already a member and have questions about it or your benefits?
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HIGHLIGHTED MEMBER BENEFIT SECTION
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TOA MEMBER BENEFIT:
OPTOMETRYWORKS.COM
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Exclusive TOA member Benefit! OptometryWorks is an online community for both the employment provider and the employment seeker. Find the tools you need to post opportunities, apply for positions, create resumes, review applicants and MORE - all in ONE PLACE.
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Summer CE and Family FUN!
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July 30th - 31st, 2022
Kalahari Resort - Round Rock, TX
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November 12th - 13th, 2022
Westin Galleria - Dallas, TX
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
February 16th - 19th, 2023
JW Marriott - Austin, TX
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Text "eye" to 866-961-0001
To receive the news, alerts and event reminders right to your phone.
Up to 4 Msgs/Month. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. Msg&data rates may apply. Terms: bit.ly/20thoeQ
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