Optometry’s Meeting® 2026 — Top Five Takeaways for
New Hampshire ODs
1. NH Earns National Recognition for Advocacy
Even with the governor’s veto, New Hampshire received a national shout‑out for its strong grassroots effort and unified push for scope modernization. AOA leadership emphasized that NH’s work is exactly what moves the profession forward.
2. Momentum Builds Across the Region
Neighboring states continue to advance scope and VBM reform, strengthening the environment around us. Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts all reported significant legislative activity — a rising tide that supports NH’s continued efforts.
3. Federal Wins Strengthen OD Practice Nationwide
AOA secured major federal progress that directly benefits NH doctors, including:
- A Medicare increase
- Physician‑level status for ODs in the VA
- Improved student loan regulations
- Bipartisan traction on DOC Access and VBM reform
These wins help stabilize practice economics and reinforce OD recognition at the federal level.
4. Third‑Party Advocacy Delivers Real Dollars
AOA’s Third Party Center restored $12.5M+ in reimbursement nationally and reversed harmful plan policies. NH ODs benefit directly from these national victories, especially in credentialing, downcoding, and VBM enforcement.
5. Student & New‑Doctor Engagement Surges
More than 3,000 students and new grads attended AOA+, strengthening the future of the profession. This aligns with NHOA’s own focus on Young OD engagement, leadership development, and building the next generation of advocates.
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NHOA Honored with AOA Membership Excellence Award
The New Hampshire Optometric Association was recognized at Optometry’s Meeting® 2026 with the AOA Membership Excellence Award, celebrating NHOA’s outstanding achievements in membership retention and recruitment over the past year.
The award was formally presented by Jacquie M. Bowen, O.D., President of the American Optometric Association, who congratulated NHOA for its growth, engagement, and leadership within the national optometric community.
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Be first in line for Optometry’s Meeting® 2027 in Boston.
Register for priority access and unlock an exclusive early registration window in January 2027, ahead of the wider profession. Plus, you'll receive insider updates on special events, educational programming and more.
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MCPHS School of Optometry Launches New Ophthalmic Electrodiagnostic Service
The MCPHS School of Optometry has opened its new Ophthalmic Diagnostic Center, expanding both clinical care and research capabilities within the Eye and Vision Center. The service provides advanced functional testing for patients with complex or unexplained visual disorders, offering insights that structural imaging alone cannot provide.
The center offers a full range of internationally standardized tests, including electroretinography (ERG), visual evoked potentials (VEP), and electro‑oculography (EOG), along with color vision testing, dark adaptometry, and ophthalmic ultrasound. These tools support earlier diagnosis of inherited retinal disease, differentiation of retinal vs. optic nerve pathology, monitoring of medication toxicity, evaluation of unexplained vision loss, and assessment during amblyopia therapy.
The new service also enhances the school’s research platform, supporting clinical trials, genotype–phenotype studies, and functional outcome measures for emerging gene and cell‑based therapies.
The program is led by Larry Baitch, OD, PhD, FAAO, Associate Dean for Research, and Greg Waldorf, OD, MPH, FAAO, Associate Dean for Clinical Programs.
Referrals: Eye and Vision Center, (508) 373‑5830.
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Help Improve Access to Pediatric Eye Care in New Hampshire
NHOA has launched a brief member survey and we're asking all members to take a few minutes to respond.
This effort is tied to a broader statewide opportunity to improve Completed Ophthalmologic Exam rates for children across New Hampshire. Several years ago, a similar project was started but had to be paused due to COVID-related staffing challenges. With renewed interest from pediatric leadership in New Hampshire, including likely support from the New Hampshire chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, NHOA is now looking to refresh this work and determine which practices and providers may be interested in participating.
The survey will help NHOA identify practices and providers willing to be part of a potential statewide collaborative care network involving optometry, ophthalmology, pediatrics, and possibly optometry students. This is an important opportunity to strengthen communication among providers, improve access to timely eye care for children, and support evidence-based public health efforts across New Hampshire.
Please click the link below to take the survey. Your input will help determine whether this project can move forward statewide.
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The NHOA Events Committee is working hard to make this anniversary weekend a memorable and meaningful success, and we hope you will be part of it.
Important note: space in NHOA’s room block is limited.
Book early to save – and secure your spot for this special celebration!
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REMINDER - Friday Focus Summer Schedule
As we head into the July 4th holiday and the 250th anniversary year of our nation, we wish you a wonderful, memorable, and safe time with friends and family.
For the remainder of the summer, Friday Focus will move to an every-other-week schedule. This summer rhythm will help us keep updates focused and timely while respecting everyone’s busy schedules.
As always, we will continue to communicate with members between editions whenever important or time-sensitive information arises.
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Advanced Eyecare | Private Practice Opportunity with Ownership Potential
Full-Time, Hooksett, NH
Advanced Eyecare is a new and growing, modern practice in Hooksett, NH dedicated to exceptional patient relationships, outstanding customer service, and full-scope clinical care. As we continue to expand, we’re excited to welcome the next optometrist who shares our commitment to quality, compassion, and community. We’re looking for an optometrist who wants to love where they work. This is a rare opportunity to join a patient-focused practice with an exceptional long-term team.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us:
- Ownership opportunity if desired
- Flexible 4 or 5-day work week
- No nights or weekends
- Healthy, positive work culture
- Long-term, experienced staff
- Competitive compensation and PTO
- 401(k) with match
- We cover all CE and licensing costs
- Well-equipped, modern office with OCTA, VF, Optos, and digital refracting system
The ideal OD candidate is committed to delivering exceptional patient care and is a lifelong learner who values staying current with advances in eye care and clinical best practices, and is excited to build long-term relationships with patients in a community-centered practice.
Hooksett, New Hampshire is a growing, vibrant community that offers the perfect balance of small-town charm and modern convenience. Located just minutes from Manchester and Concord, Hooksett provides easy access to city amenities while maintaining a welcoming, close-knit feel. The area is known for its excellent quality of life, scenic surroundings, and proximity to outdoor recreation, from hiking and skiing to lakes and beaches. With no state income or sales tax and a strong sense of community, Hooksett is an ideal place to live, work, and grow your career.
To apply or learn more:
Please send your CV or questions to Alieyedoc20@gmail.com
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Optometry Subcontractor Opportunity
New Hampshire Department of Corrections
Institutional Eye Care is seeking motivated optometrists for a part-time, on-site subcontractor position delivering comprehensive eye care services within correctional healthcare facilities.
This role provides a rare opportunity to deliver impactful care while enjoying flexible scheduling that can easily integrate with private practice or other clinical commitments. All the necessary equipment is supplied.
Position Details and Benefits:
• Flexible, part-time scheduling
• Requesting 3 half-days of clinic (4 hours) once every 3 months (could also be scheduled as one half-day of clinic per month, if preferred) – scheduling is determined by the OD
• Competitive compensation, guaranteed minimum rate of $500 per half-day with opportunity for higher earnings
• Opportunity to serve a unique and underserved patient population
For additional details, please contact:
Dr. O’Malley Bosanic
Phone: 616-824-1384
Email: omalleyb@institutionaleyecare.com
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ABOUT THE NHOA: The Mission of the New Hampshire Optometric Association is to advance and protect the practice of Optometry to ensure the health and vision of the public.
The New Hampshire Optometric Association (NHOA) is the professional association representing the vast majority of New Hampshire’s practicing Doctors of Optometry. We have served our members and the citizens of NH since founded over 110 years ago. We are affiliated with the American Optometric Association.
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Friday Focus is a weekly email newsletter dedicated to communicating important Association- and member-related news, industry updates and matters relating to practicing optometry in New Hampshire. It is a members-only weekly communication.
Member submissions for publication in Friday Focus are welcomed and appreciated. Kindly email us.
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