The American Optometric Association (AOA) has presented findings of a report that identified US$4.6 billion in annual systemwide savings as a result of expanded optometric scope of practice.
Executive director Jon Hymes told the recent annual AOA meeting in St Louis that the Avalon Health Economics report also found 91% of Americans support laws that allow optometrists to provide the full range of care for which they are trained.
The study indicated, “US$600 million per year in transaction costs savings and another US$4 billion per year in savings attributable to access-related improvements in health outcomes.”
Across the USA, 62 laws have been enacted in 47 states since 1998 to expand optometric scope of practice. The report also estimated a shortage of 90,000 ophthalmologists nationally, but ‘an adequate supply’ of optometrists.
Responding to the findings, the AOA also highlighted a US Department of Health and Human Services 2018 report saying, “states should consider changes to their scope of practice statutes to allow all healthcare providers to practice to the top of their license, utilising their full skill set.”
