WASHINGTON, D.C.—More than 400 eye physicians and surgeons from the U.S. are in Washington D.C. urging Congress to preserve patients’ access to quality medical and surgical eyecare. As part of its annual visit to Capitol Hill, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is speaking on behalf of millions of American patients who need timely access to treatments and care for a range of diseases affecting the eyes. The ophthalmologists are discussing the critical issues affecting more than 50 million Americans who experience significant eye disease.

"Ophthalmologists serve our patients not just through the care we provide, but also by engaging federal leaders on their behalf," said David W. Parke II, MD, CEO of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. "The strong, bipartisan partnerships we cultivate in Washington, D.C., can yield practical, cost-effective, innovative health care solutions that ensure that quality eyecare is within every American's reach."

Ophthalmologists are advocating for issues such as existing regulatory barriers that would block patients’ interactions with their physicians, timely access to sight-saving treatments—including compounded drugs administered by physicians in their offices and are currently being scrutinized by the FDA.

Ophthalmologists are also seeking sustained federal funding for important vision research programs—such as those run by National Institutes of Health and Department of Defense—that help advance ophthalmology's knowledge of eye disease and its treatment.