The Vision Council launches teleoptometry policy–monitoring service

Image Credit: AdobeStock/tashatuvango

Policy changes in optometry are moving fast. To keep up with the pace, The Vision Council has launched PolicyWatch, a regulatory monitoring service for the optical industry that allows optometric practices and service providers as well as telemedicine solution companies around the country to stay up to date about teleoptometry policies in their states.¹ The service is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to a news release.

“As teleoptometry continues to play an increasingly vital role in health care delivery, it’s imperative for practitioners and stakeholders to stay abreast of the dynamic regulatory environment,” Michael Vitale, ABOM, vice president of membership, government relations, and technical standards at The Vision Council, said in the release. “Understanding state regulations for remote eye examinations is not only crucial for [adherence] but also for ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care regardless of their location. PolicyWatch empowers members of industry to navigate this complex landscape with confidence, ultimately benefiting both practitioners and patients alike.”

Policy updates through PolicyWatch are in real time and provide detailed state-level information regarding professional requirements, scope of practice, reimbursement and pay parity, and teleoptometry policy, the release stated. Email alerts are sent out for regulatory updates, and downloadable summaries are available for each state.1 Regulations for each state are reviewed and updated every 6 months, with pending legislation reviewed monthly and updated as changes occur.²

PolicyWatch provides different subscription packages depending on a practice’s scope and size. A local subscription package allows a single location operating in one state to access information in said state. A regional package is best suited for a regional chain or eye care provider operating in multiple states. A national package is also available for national chains or telehealth technology service providers and provides access to policy information on all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, because the subscription service is intended for organization use, there is no limit to the number of users who can access said subscription.

Introductory annual subscription pricing starts at $2500 but will vary through the different local, regional, and national tiers available. Although a membership to The Vision Council is not necessary to subscribe to the service, the organization’s members receive a 20% discount.¹

Demonstrations of the service can be scheduled with the PolicyWatch team here to learn more and begin setting up an account.

References:

1. The Vision Council launches PolicyWatch: an online regulatory monitoring service for the optical industry. News release. The Vision Council. April 5, 2024. Accessed April 9, 2024. https://thevisioncouncil.org/blog/vision-council-launches-policywatch-online-regulatory-monitoring-service-optical-industry

2. What is PolicyWatch? PolicyWatch. Accessed April 9, 2024. https://policywatch.thevisioncouncil.org/our-solution