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Earlier this week, NHOA member Dr. Scott Huffer had an opportunity to speak directly with Gov. Kelly Ayotte regarding her veto of HB 349.
He shared the following message with us:
The Governor attended my Rotary meeting this week, and I had the opportunity to respectfully express my disappointment with her decision to veto HB 349. I asked how she came to oppose a bill that received such strong support in both the House and Senate and was backed by extensive training, safety, and patient-access data.
She echoed the message contained in her veto statement.
Although we ultimately agreed to disagree, the conversation reinforced how important it is for members of our profession to continue speaking up.
If you have an opportunity to meet the Governor at a community event or public appearance, I encourage you to respectfully share your disappointment with the veto and explain why this legislation matters to New Hampshire optometrists and the patients we serve.
Thank you to Dr. Huffer for speaking up on behalf of New Hampshire optometry.
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Help Improve Access to Pediatric Eye Care in New Hampshire
NHOA will be launching a brief member survey next week, and we ask all members to be on the lookout and 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.
In 2022, NHOA surveyed its membership and received strong feedback. Of 102 responses, 88 doctors indicated they were comfortable managing pediatric patients, 95 were willing to return a report of exam findings, and 70 accepted at least one NH Medicaid plan. Since that time, reimbursement for Completed Ophthalmologic Exams has improved, with many NH Medicaid plans now reimbursing at levels comparable to, or better than, commercial insurance.
The upcoming 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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Updates to the NHOA 125th Anniversary flyer are complete and ready to be shared with AOA affiliates at Optometry’s Meeting next week. Can you spot the changes?
If you can, you'll see that the weekend is really beginning to take shape! We’re even more excited following a successful site visit to Wentworth by the Sea Wednesday.
We're pleased to report that we’ll be taking full advantage of the property’s beautiful spaces – including the veranda, solarium, and more!
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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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Call to Action: Support Federal Optometry Advocacy Efforts
NHOA members are encouraged to participate in the AOA Federal Advocacy Representative (FAR) “Red and Blue” campaign ahead of Optometry’s Meeting in Phoenix. This year marks a unique opportunity, as both a leading Democratic and Republican U.S. Senator—each strong supporters of optometry—will be attending the meeting in person.
Members are asked to consider making a contribution at any level to support this important federal advocacy effort, with a suggested contribution of $250. Donations may be directed to either or both of the featured senators, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), through optometry-specific campaign links that help track the profession’s collective impact.
These efforts strengthen optometry’s voice at the federal level and directly support ongoing advocacy for full-scope practice, improved access to care, and protection against insurer and regulatory barriers.
Given the short timeline and the significance of this opportunity, member participation is especially important. Thank you for helping demonstrate the strength and unity of optometry’s advocacy community.
| | Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) – Sen. Gallego is a U.S. Marine, a former AZ state house member, served for 10 years in the U.S. House, and is currently the junior U.S. Senator from Arizona. Gallego deployed to Iraq in 2005 and his company saw some of the worst fighting in that war, losing 22 of his company to enemy action in eight months. Sen. Gallego is a leader on the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and continues to be one of the top voices on Capitol Hill for maximizing access to care by doctors of optometry and others operating at the top of their license, education and training. He is especially active on Veterans issues and health care issues in general, backing efforts to take on growing insurer and plan consolidation and vertical integration. Donate to Sen. Gallego through this special optometry-only link: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/aoa526 | |  | Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) – Sen. Dan Sullivan is a U.S. Marine, former Alaska Attorney General, and has served in the U.S. Senate since 2014. Sullivan serves on the Senate Commerce Committee (which has jurisdiction over the Federal Trade Commission) as well as the Veterans Affairs Committee. Sen. Sullivan has been the lead advocate, alongside Sen. Boozman for securing and defending the ability of doctors of optometry to provide full scope care to veterans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Community Care program. He has been consistently attacked by organized medicine for this work and has never wavered in this fight. Ensuring full scope through VA community care is significant policy win despised by Optometry’s opponents because the enshrined policy also continues to help states looking to expand their state scope of practice. Donate to Sen. Sullivan through this special optometry-only link: https://secure.winred.com/alaskans-for-dan-sullivan/aoapac | | | |
VOTING NOW OPEN!
Congratulations to Future In Sight on being nominated for Best Nonprofit in the Best of the 603!
This is a wonderful recognition of the meaningful work Future In Sight does for individuals and families across New Hampshire.
Show your support by voting now and sharing with your friends, family, colleagues, and community to vote as well.
Be prepared to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the great work being done at Future In Sight!
Voting Closes on Wednesday, June 24th!
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Friday Focus Summer Schedule
For the remainder of the summer, Friday Focus will move to an every-other-week schedule, beginning with no edition on Friday, June 19.
This summer rhythm will allow us to keep updates focused and timely while respecting everyone’s schedules. As always, we will communicate with members between editions whenever important or time-sensitive information arises.
We hope everyone enjoys the start of a great summer season.
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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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