While debate on this bill is over for this legislative session, we do anticipate that the issue will be brought back in the next legislative session in 2025. It is important that our membership stay engaged with their legislators prior to next session and educate them about the need for the Board of Optometry to remain an independent and autonomous board.

AOA Member Benefit: Complimentary one-on-one student loan consultation

Young ODs with student loan debt may be unfamiliar with the numerous repayment options available, including refinancing, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the recently updated Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) program. Navigating all of these choices may feel overwhelming. That’s why AOAExcel has partnered with Laurel Road to provide AOA members with a complimentary one-on-one student loan consultation with one of their GradFin student loan specialists.

In this 30-minute discussion, your student loan specialist will analyze your student loan portfolio and walk you through all your potential repayment strategies. You’ll see in real time how each option would apply to your specific loans and develop a personalized repayment plan. Learn more and schedule your consultation today.

For additional support, AOA members can sign up for an annual GradFin PSLF or IDR Counseling membership at a 20% discount^† and get ongoing access to one-on-one student loan expertise and account audits. Thorough these membership options, the GradFin team will help you understand ongoing program eligibility requirements for forgiveness and help you with the annual recertification process year after year.

AOAExcel partners with Laurel Road to provide AOA members with personal financial tools that empower them to practice with confidence. In addition to student loan consultations through their GradFin team, Laurel Road provides AOA members with High Yield Savings, student loan refinancing, and more financial tools. See how Laurel Road can benefit you at laurelroad.com/partnerships/aoa-excel.