SACRAMENTO, Calif.—The California Optometric Association (COA) said this week that the state’s optometrists “stand ready to contribute [their] expertise and leadership” to the administration of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who was sworn in as the state’s 40th governor earlier this week. “Governor Gavin Newsom was sworn into office [Monday] as the nation is increasingly looking to California for health care leadership, and as we face our own challenges of serving a growing, aging and uniquely diverse population,” COA president Ranjeet S. Bajwa, OD, FAAO, Diplomate ABO, said in a statement.

“We know Gov. Newsom will be a champion for increased access to quality and affordable health care for all Californians—especially for our underserved and rural communities. California’s optometrists stand ready to contribute our expertise and leadership as health care professionals, to expand on our role as accessible providers, and to utilize our vantage point on the front lines of the diabetes epidemic to protect sight and save lives,” he added.

Bajwa said the COA looks forward to being “a resource and leading voice as the governor helps California chart a healthy future for our state.” The COA has been in existence for more than a century, and has been dedicated to making optometry a stronger, better and more visible profession in the state, according to the association’s website.