What’s New

• The Vision Council & Optical Laboratories Association Finalize Merger
  At The Vision Council's Executive Summit, the Optical Laboratories Association (OLA) and The Vision Council signed a final merger agreement, naming OLA the new Optical Lab Division of The Vision Council. The activities of both associations will be combined to benefit their respective members. Visit the Optical Lab Division section to learn more.

• 2012 Executive Summit
  The Vision Council’s 2012 Executive Summit, held January 25-27 in Key Biscayne, Florida, delivered a dynamic combination of hot-topic panel discussions, division meetings, keynotes featuring top-level speakers, and numerous opportunities for C-level networking. Copies of the presentations and summary documents can be found here.

• Update: Sunshine Law Reporting Requirements Delayed
  Implementation of The Physician Payment Sunshine Act, which was enacted as a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("PPACA") in 2010, has been delayed. The Sunshine provision was created to prevent fraud abuse and waste in the health care system by making the public aware of "payments" made to applicable health care providers/physicians, including ophthalmologists and optometrists. The Sunshine provision's original date of implementation date was January 1, 2012. However, because of the delay in promulgating regulations, CMS has stated that it will delay implementation. Click here to view key provisions and download the updated membership memo.
  

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• Low Vision Banner Ad to Appear in L.A. Times
  The Low Vision Division has sponsored a banner ad that will appear on the front cover of a special "Aging in Place" report from the Los Angeles Times, on Saturday, December 10th. In partnership with AAA and AARP, the Los Angeles Times report will include electronic and print distribution, featuring content targeted to baby boomers and seniors in promotion of independent living and aging in place. Click here to view the banner ad.

• The Vision Council Makes Commitment to Increase Eye Exams
  After careful review, The Vision Council's Board of Directors has decided to support the Think About Your Eyes campaign with a $2 million annual commitment for a period of two years and up to $4 million dollars for a national launch. The Think About Your Eyes campaign has resulted in +6% more eye exams in the campaign markets over the last year. This is a significant improvement vs. the current flat trend of the industry. The Vision Council contribution is contingent on others from the vision community joining the expansion.