Advocacy And Partnership
ASEPS is the unified voice for eye physicians at the Arizona Legislature and your direct connection to the power and resources of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Support the Ophthalmology Political Action Committee (OPAC)
— Protect the Future of Eye Care
The following information is optional and is for OPAC’S internal records only. This information is not reported to any governmental entity, nor will it ever be given or sold to a source outside of the OPAC. Your email allows us to communicate with you on issues relating to the PAC. A phone number helps us contact you should we have any questions regarding your contribution.
The Ophthalmology Political Action Committee (OPAC) is committed to ensuring Arizona ophthalmologists have a powerful, unified voice at the state capitol. OPAC identifies and supports quality candidates who prioritize patient safety and physician-led eye care.
The makeup of the Arizona legislature impacts every aspect of ophthalmology, from reimbursement rates and scope of practice laws to patient access and healthcare regulations. Without a strong voice, decisions that affect your practice and your patients are made without your expertise and input. OPAC ensures that ophthalmology has a seat at the table, advocating for fair policies that allow physicians to focus on what they do best, providing exceptional physician-led eye care.
Your contribution to OPAC is more than a donation, it is an investment in the future of ophthalmology. Every dollar raised goes toward supporting candidates and initiatives that align with the values and needs of ophthalmology. Whether you are a seasoned physician or just starting your career, your support makes a collective difference. We invite you to join hundreds of your colleagues in standing up for our specialty. Together, we are stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Although an individual may personally support or oppose candidates with few restrictions other than limits on contribution amounts, state and federal laws prohibit individuals from collectively working together to support or oppose candidates without forming a political action committee.
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NO. 100% of the PAC’s income comes from individual contributors. Per state and federal statutes, corporations are prohibited from making contributions to PACs.
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The OPAC uses the contributions it receives to support candidates who prioritize patient safety and physician-led eye care. We support candidates by making direct contributions to their campaigns.
Please note: In accordance with A.R.S. 16-912, individuals may only make contributions using PERSONAL monies, corporate contributions are prohibited. Contributions to the OPAC are not tax deductible. Additionally, the donor information on the following form is collected as required by state law
"Paid for by Ophthalmology Political Action Committee. Not authorized by any candidate."
AAO Partnership
— The world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons, serving over 32,000 ophthalmologists worldwide.
ASEPS partners closely with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) — the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons, representing more than 32,000 ophthalmologists worldwide. This partnership ensures that Arizona ophthalmologists benefit from the AAO's unparalleled national expertise, resources, and leadership in advancing the profession at the federal level and beyond.
Through coordinated advocacy, ASEPS amplifies Arizona's impact on federal and state policy issues that directly affect patient care and physician practice. When we speak at the Arizona Legislature, we do so with the weight of the nation's leading ophthalmology organization behind us.
ASEPS members gain access to the AAO's extensive library of shared educational materials, public-awareness campaigns, clinical resources, and professional development opportunities. You also have the opportunity to participate in national AAO committees, training programs, and leadership pathways — connecting Arizona's ophthalmology community to colleagues and thought leaders across the country and around the world.
This partnership is one of the most valuable benefits of ASEPS membership. It means you are never alone in your advocacy, your education, or your professional growth. You are part of a global network dedicated to advancing the science, art, and integrity of ophthalmology.
KEY ADVOCACY PRIORITIES:
Federal-Level Advocacy: The AAO's national government relations team fights for ophthalmology in Washington, D.C. on Medicare policy, federal insurance issues, and national scope-of-practice battles. ASEPS' partnership with AAO means Arizona's voice is heard at the highest levels of government.
Shared Educational Resources: ASEPS members gain access to AAO's world-class clinical resources, public education campaigns, practice management tools, and educational content, developed by the nation's leading eye physicians and continuously updated to reflect the latest advances in ophthalmology.
National Leadership Access: Through ASEPS' partnership with AAO, Arizona members can participate in national committees, apply for leadership training programs, and connect with ophthalmologists across the United States and internationally, building networks that elevate careers and strengthen the profession.
ASEPS serves as the unified voice for ophthalmologists at the Arizona Legislature. Every legislative session, we work tirelessly to protect patient safety, preserve the highest standards of medical and surgical eye care, and safeguard the integrity of the ophthalmology profession in our state.
Our advocacy committee, in conjunction with our government affairs team, Arizona Lobbying, monitors legislation, engages with policymakers, and fights to protect the integrity of our specialty against policies that could threaten the way we practice and the care we deliver to our patients. Ophthalmologists are physicians, medical doctors who have completed four years of medical school, a one-year internship, three years of ophthalmology residency, and often additional fellowship training. ASEPS fights to make sure that distinction is upheld and protected in Arizona law.
We actively monitor and engage with legislation that affects physician practice, insurance coverage, public health, and patient access to quality eye care. Through direct lobbying at the Capitol, grassroots mobilization of our membership, and strategic collaboration with the Arizona Medical Association and other allied medical organizations, ASEPS works every day to safeguard the profession and support ophthalmologists in delivering safe, high-quality, physician-led eye care to Arizona patients.
When you join ASEPS, you strengthen this collective voice. Your membership is the cornerstone of our advocacy at the Legislature. Every dues-paying member makes ASEPS stronger, louder, and more effective.
Government Relations
— Your Voice at the Arizona Legislature
KEY ADVOCACY PRIORITIES:
Protecting physician-led eye care: Ensuring that Arizona's scope-of-practice laws reflect the training and expertise of ophthalmologists and prevent scope creep by non-physician providers.
Monitoring insurance and payer policies: Engaging with legislation that affects reimbursement, coverage decisions, and how ophthalmologists are paid for the care they provide.
Collaborating with allied organizations: Working closely with the Arizona Medical Association, other physician specialty societies, and healthcare advocacy groups on shared legislative priorities.
Grassroots mobilization: Activating ASEPS members to contact their legislators, testify at hearings, and amplify the voice of ophthalmology when critical bills are under consideration.
Sign Up For Legislative Alerts
University of Arizona College of Medicine
ASEPS partners closely with the University of Arizona's Phoenix and Tucson Ophthalmology departments to strengthen the educational pipeline, support the next generation of Arizona eye physicians, and build a unified statewide community that spans from residency training through every stage of professional practice.
Arizona's medical students, residents, and fellows are essential to the future of physician-led eye care in our state. This partnership ensures that trainees benefit from early connection to Arizona's professional ophthalmology community, access to statewide advocacy and leadership opportunities, and mentorship from practicing ophthalmologists across the state.
ASEPS members gain the opportunity to mentor the next generation of Arizona ophthalmologists, collaborate with academic faculty on clinical and policy issues, and participate in a statewide culture of professionalism, shared learning, and service to Arizona patients. This includes participation in ASEPS events from the Residents and faculty from both Phoenix and Tucson programs, including the Grand Canyon Regional Ophthalmology Conference. Residents are also invited to represent Arizona at the AAO Mid-Year Forum, strengthening Arizona's voice in national policy discussions and building long-term advocacy engagement among future leaders.
Through coordinated educational programming, advocacy training, and community-building initiatives, ASEPS and the University of Arizona work together to retain highly trained ophthalmologists in Arizona after residency and fellowship, ensuring that our state continues to have a strong, skilled, and engaged workforce of eye physicians.
