Presidential Report (Q1 2025)

The Florida Optometric Association (FOA) has entered one of the busiest and most critical times of the year—Legislative Session. With our profession’s future at stake, your FOA Board is fully engaged, keeping a close watch on all bills that could impact optometry in Florida and across the Nation.

I am pleased to share some exciting news: several of your colleagues and I recently returned from Tallahassee after testifying in support of our bill, HB 449. I am proud to report that we achieved success in our first committee hearing! This is a significant step forward, and we are already preparing to return in the coming weeks to advocate for optometry during the second committee hearing.

This progress would not be possible without the dedication of our key contacts and the unwavering support of our members. Your efforts in maintaining communication with legislators and keeping optometry’s priorities front and center are invaluable. Additionally, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributes to OptometryPAC—your generosity fuels our advocacy efforts and strengthens our voice in Tallahassee.

Together, we are ensuring that our profession continues to grow and flourish. With your support and engagement, we will keep pushing forward, protecting and advancing the practice of optometry in Florida. Let’s keep up the momentum!

Sincerely,

Steven L. Silverstone, O.D,
President, Florida Optometric Association