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What are you doing to push the optometric profession forward? Do you communicate with your legislators? Do you educate your patients on the importance of eyecare and how it impacts their overall health? On this podcast, Drs. Devin Sasser, Shane Kannar, Charissa Lee, and lobbyist Deana Mcrae, discuss advocacy in eye care. Advocacy in optometry plays a crucial role in advancing the profession and ensuring quality eye care for individuals and communities.
Thank you, Johnson & Johnson Vision, for your support and strong advocacy for eyecare
Johnson and Johnson Vision: Advocacy and Optometry
00:41-01:45
Dr. Darryl Glover:
We’re discussing advocacy in eyecare today, a very important topic. I want to specifically acknowledge Johnson and Johnson Vision for their unwavering support of our profession and their commitment to ensuring the best patient outcomes in every exam lane. Today’s schedule includes a series of conversations where I’ll be delving into detailed discussions with Dr. Devin Sasser, Dr. Shane Kannarr, and Dr. Charissa Lee. We will be exploring the crucial role of advocacy.
Dr. Devin Sasser:
Indeed, it’s common knowledge that optometrists are working at the grassroots level to achieve results for our peers and patients. However, it’s important to remember the vital role that large companies and industry partners, like Johnson and Johnson Vision, play. These partners can access spaces and wield influence that we, operating at the grassroots level, cannot. Hence, we are deeply grateful to those companies taking a stand for optometrists and our patients and pushing our profession forward. Their contribution is integral to this process.
The Critical Role of Grassroots Efforts in Legislation in Optometry
01:45-02:20
Dr. Shane Kanner:
I absolutely concur. The grassroots effort is indeed instrumental in advancing legislation. Yet we should also highlight the importance of maintaining a steady presence, be it on a federal or state level, and responding swiftly to newly proposed legislation. Our industry partners, like Johnson and Johnson, have a political team and lobbyists on the ground. They can serve as our support system, or we can support them. Given our limited manpower and time constraints, we can’t constantly monitor all developments. That’s why I believe the role of industry partners is crucial in our current endeavors.
State Unity: A Key Driver for Legislation in Optometry
02:20-15:01
Dr. Devin Sasser:
Even so, acknowledging grassroots efforts is crucial. It’s vital to understand that we need everyone’s assistance in this endeavor. We need doctors from every state. When we consider how states differ from one another – say, Kansas versus Maryland – and how varied our scopes are, despite having the same education in both states, it underlines the importance of working together to move everyone forward, not just one state at a time. Our goal is to increase access for all of our patients across the United States, and a key element in achieving that is working collectively towards that goal.
Dr. Shane Kannarr:
You’re exactly right. Consider what transpired in Arkansas a few years ago, and some of the legislation filed this year. It’s crucial that we focus on mutual support. Perhaps there isn’t an active issue in Kansas at the moment, but there might be one in Maryland. I need to know that I can support you this year, and you will reciprocate next year. What I find truly remarkable is that we’re witnessing this evolution of optometry, and everyone involved is concentrating on the patient-doctor relationship.
It’s essential to maintain a constant presence, keeping patient access and high-quality eye care at the forefront. These are areas where the industry and optometrists can collaborate on various levels. I’m glad to support your state, and I trust that you’ll do the same for me.
Dr. Devin Sasser:
Indeed. If you examine the states that have passed legislation, you’ll notice a common thread – they’re organized and unified in their effort. A crucial part of this unity is involving everyone. Therefore, if you haven’t already, I strongly urge you to join your state association, join the AOA, and contribute to the PAC to ensure we all push forward together in an efficient manner.
Dr. Shane Kannarr:
You’ve made an excellent point about the PAC. Many doctors are uncertain about it. The PAC is fundamentally about funding, and whether we like it or not, all efforts require financial backing. We all understand this. The PAC serves as an excellent entry point where any contribution, be it $25 or $250, can be pooled together, amplifying our strength in numbers, which we observe when interacting with legislators and companies.
Dr. Darryl Glover :
Fantastic information. Now, could you share any personal success stories or perspectives? Up next, these two will share their personal victories. Stay tuned.
Dr. Shane Kannarr:
I can recall two major successes I’ve observed in optometry recently. In two states, not my own, legislation was filed that would either redefine certain terms, change their scope of practice, or limit their scope. I witnessed a remarkable level of unity from across the country, with optometrists from all over coming together. Another instance that comes to mind, which I’m sure you’ve noticed, is some of the legislation relating to contact lenses and the patient-doctor relationship. What are your thoughts on that?
Dr. Devin Sasser:
Indeed, I think that particular piece of legislation is critical, especially concerning patient safety. It revolves around ensuring that patients understand that contact lenses are medical devices. As Dr. Conard pointed out, it’s crucial during our time with patients in the exam chair to advocate for not only our profession but also for their safety. We need to educate them to understand that this piece of equipment is essential – it’s a Class II medical device.
We can’t take this lightly, and we’re aiming to pass legislation that recognizes this, ensuring safety for everyone and proper care for consumers.
Dr. Shane Kannarr:
It’s fascinating how people react when you tell them, “Hey, I want you to choose your own insulin pump,” or “Pick out your antibiotic,” or even “Select your prosthetic joint.” The typical reaction is confusion and concern. However, when it comes to contact lenses – a medical device – people think differently. We, as trained professionals, need to select the appropriate lens for our patients, just like any other medical product.
Dr. Devin Sasser:
Personally, one significant victory that comes to mind involves the progress we’ve seen over the last two years. Since 2021, three states have passed legislation allowing optometrists to perform laser procedures in the treatment of glaucoma. While it might not seem personal to me as I don’t reside in those states, it’s indeed very personal. This advancement allows for expansion opportunities in Maryland, and gives us a blueprint on how to drive our own progress forward.
This ultimately lets us provide better care and access to our patients across the country. Any victory for any state is a victory for all of us, a personal win as well. We’re tremendously excited about this and eager to see what it could bring to Maryland.
Dr. Shane Kannarr:
Absolutely, it’s a win both personally and for the patients. It’s about improving access, a phrase I plan to use more often. I think we’re genuinely seeing a united front in optometry. So, join your local society, your state association, get involved in the AOA, and understand where we are as a profession. I believe you’ll find our future quite exciting.
Dr. Devin Sasser:
Isn’t it wonderful to hear stories and experiences from our colleagues? I learn from them and incorporate those lessons into my personal and professional life. Up next, we have Dr. Lee. She’ll share her background, who she is, and the outstanding work she does at Johnson and Johnson Vision. Over to you, Dr. Lee.
Dr. Charissa Lee:
Hi, I’m Dr. Charissa Lee, head of Professional Affairs at Johnson and Johnson Vision. I’m privileged to lead the professional team for the vision care side in North America. We cover a lot on my team – we educate and also support the profession. Through our professional relations team, we can outreach and educate doctors and students via our professional education team. It’s an exciting role that I thoroughly enjoy.
Dr. Devin Sasser:
Thanks for sharing, Dr. Lee. Let’s delve a bit deeper into how you first got involved with advocacy.
Dr. Charissa Lee:
My advocacy journey began as a student. I graduated from SUNY, where I wasn’t even aware advocacy was a thing. It was a fantastic introduction to the profession and a great opportunity to network. Being a part of the AOSA and having contact with legislators so early in my career was a valuable experience. As I matured into my role as a doctor and learned more about the profession I love, it evolved into a lifelong journey of participating in advocacy for patient care.
As a practicing doctor, I talk to my patients every day about our role as optometrists. Now, in my current position as head of Professional Affairs at Johnson and Johnson Vision, I have the honor of speaking with senators and representatives on Capitol Hill about the significance of eye care, the comprehensive eye exam, and the doctor-patient relationship. It’s been a journey and continues to be, but I love it and what I do.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Next, we will discuss the most significant legislative actions in optometry and patient care with Dr. Lee.
Dr. Charissa Lee:
Currently, some of the most important legislative actions revolve around patient safety and outcomes, particularly concerning contact lenses. For example, what we affectionately call the ‘robocall bill,’ has been introduced in the House. We’re currently working on getting it to the Senate. This bill aims to modernize contact lens verification and effectively eliminate robocalls.
However, every opportunity to talk to a policymaker is a chance to emphasize the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and the comprehensive eye exam and to make sure they care about the health and safety of our patient’s eyes as much as we do.
