AOA Health Policy Institute (HPI)

The AOA Health Policy Institute (HPI) serves as the American Optometric Association’s central resource for public policy research, data analysis, and policy guidance related to eye health and vision care. It provides research and educational tools to inform policymakers, health care professionals, patients, and the public about policies that support access to high-quality eye and vision care.

Through evidence-based research and analysis, the HPI helps highlight policies that improve the delivery of comprehensive eye care and strengthen the role of doctors of optometry in the broader health care system.

Main HPI Resource Page

• AOA Health Policy Institute –
  https://www.aoa.org/advocacy/health-policy-institute

Key Policy Topics and Research Areas

The HPI organizes its resources around several major health policy topics affecting eye care, health systems, and patients.

• COVID-19 Resources –
  https://www.aoa.org/advocacy/health-policy-institute
  
  
  Resources and information addressing policy issues related to COVID-19 and eye care.

• Health Care Reform & Access –
  https://www.aoa.org/advocacy/health-policy-institute/health-care-reform-and-access
  
  
  Research and analysis focused on improving access to eye care and addressing insurance and system barriers.

• Telemedicine & Health Information Technology –
  https://www.aoa.org/advocacy/health-policy-institute/telemedicine-and-health-information-technology
  
  
  Policy research and resources related to telehealth, remote eye care technologies, and digital health tools.

• Medicare, Medicaid & Veterans Health –
  https://www.aoa.org/advocacy/health-policy-institute/medicare-medicaid-and-veterans-health
  
  
  Information and studies related to federal health programs and access to eye care for Medicare beneficiaries and veterans.

• Controlling Costs & Improving Effectiveness –
  https://www.aoa.org/advocacy/health-policy-institute
  
  
  Research exploring policies that help improve health care value and reduce system costs.

• Public Health Promotion & Disease Prevention –
  https://www.aoa.org/advocacy/health-policy-institute
  
  
  Resources highlighting the role of optometry in public health initiatives and preventive care.

• Serving Communities & Workforce Development –
  https://www.aoa.org/advocacy/health-policy-institute/serving-communities-and-workforce-development
  
  
  Data and reports related to the optometry workforce and access to care across communities.

• Children’s Vision –
  https://www.aoa.org/advocacy/health-policy-institute
  
  
  Policy research focused on children’s eye health and the role of vision care in education and development.

Reports and Publications

• HPI Annual Reports –
  https://www.aoa.org/advocacy/health-policy-institute/hpi-annual-reports
  
  
  Annual summaries highlighting the institute’s research initiatives, advocacy support, and policy developments.

Purpose of the Health Policy Institute

The AOA established the Health Policy Institute to provide evidence-based policy analysis and research that supports eye health, patient access to care, and the advancement of the optometric profession.

HPI resources are commonly used by:

• Policymakers and legislative staff

• Health policy researchers

• Doctors of optometry and health care professionals

• Advocacy leaders and public health organizations