EssilorLuxottica announced its commitment to the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (APS) with an annual investment of $450,000. The funds will support legislative efforts to increase patient access to care and protect the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship. Rick Gadd, President of Essilor North America, and Fabrizio Uguzzoni, President of Luxottica Wholesale, Americas, shared the news of EssilorLuxottica’s role as a lead sponsor with the association’s House of Delegates during Optometry’s Meeting 2021.

“EssilorLuxottica is embarking on this opportunity to partner more closely with the AOA to advocate for doctors and patients and give vision a louder voice,” Gadd said. “We stand with the AOA to ensure patient access to care is preserved and protect the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship. It’s our commitment today to the AOA and all of its members to ensure the doctor’s eyecare agenda is preserved and private practice remains strong.”

Long-time advocates of private practice agendas, Millicent Knight, OD, FAAO, FAARM, FNAP, Essilor’s Sr. Vice President of Customer Development, and Carl Spear, OD, MBA, FAAO, Luxottica’s Sr. Vice President of Eyecare, will take active leading roles within the APS as representatives of EssilorLuxottica.

Through its advocacy efforts, APS supports laws, regulations and other public policy solutions designed to safeguard public health while educating patients, regulators and legislators about the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and existing and potential threats to patients’ eye health and safety.