COA Legislative Day a huge success

On May 13, more than 150 doctors and students traveled to Sacramento to attend this year's COA Legislative Day. By all accounts, the event was a great success. 

 
Speakers included Senator Ed Hernandez, OD, author of SB 492 and past president of COA, along with top Legislative leaders. Senate President Pro Tem-elect Kevin de Le?n and Assembly Minority Leader Connie Conway spoke to the group about leadership and encouraged doctors and students of optometry to get involved in politics (visit COA’s Facebook page to view pictures from Legislative Day). COA Legislative Day attendees watched the full-length premiere of the COA-produced satirical video, "House of Optometry" that is based on the popular TV show House of Cards, which can be viewed by clicking here.

Legislative meetings doctors and students had that day were focused on educating legislators and their staff and advocating for support of SB 492, COA-sponsored legislation to redefine optometry. The information gathered during these meetings and our Local Legislative Day meetings in February give us a good sense of how lawmakers perceive our legislation and provide valuable intelligence on which lawmakers are for it, who are against it, and who remain undecided. Our lobbyists are following  up with legislators who asked questions or requested additional information.
 
Thank you to everyone who took time out of their practice or away from their studies to attend COA Legislative Day! The time and finances  invested will help shape and advance the profession for you and your practice, along with the next generation of doctors of optometry. 

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