Current Policy & Legislative Priorities

Protecting Vision in West Virginia

The West Virginia Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons advocates for policies that protect patients, preserve access to specialty eye care, and support high standards in medical and surgical eye treatment.

West Virginia's eye-health policy challenges are shaped by the state's demographics and health-care landscape. An aging population, rural access barriers, provider shortages, and the burden of chronic disease all make timely, high-quality eye care especially important across the state.

Physician-Led Eye Care and Patient Safety

WVAEPS supports clear standards for who provides medical and surgical eye care. Recent changes in West Virginia law and litigation have kept scope-of-practice issues active in the state.

WVAEPS believes that complex eye disease and eye surgery should remain grounded in physician-led care. Training, clinical oversight, and patient safety should remain central in any discussion about expanding who may perform procedures involving the eye and its surrounding structures.

Access to Care in Rural West Virginia

Access to specialty eye care can be difficult in many parts of West Virginia. Long travel distances, provider shortages, and an older population can delay evaluation and treatment for conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease, and diabetic eye disease.

WVAEPS supports policies that strengthen the physician workforce, improve access in underserved communities, and help patients receive timely care closer to home. Improving access should mean expanding the reach of high-quality care while preserving the standards that protect patients.

Diabetes, Chronic Disease, and Preventable Vision Loss

West Virginia faces a heavy burden from diabetes and other chronic conditions that can threaten sight. Diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration often progress quietly, making early detection and ongoing treatment essential.

WVAEPS supports efforts that encourage early detection, public awareness, and timely treatment for diabetic eye disease and other vision-threatening conditions. This is especially important in communities where patients may face transportation barriers, specialist shortages, or delays in follow-up care.

Teleophthalmology and Modern Care Delivery

Technology can help close access gaps when it is used carefully and appropriately. Telehealth and teleophthalmology can improve screening, care coordination, follow-up, and earlier identification of serious eye disease.

WVAEPS supports the responsible use of telehealth and teleophthalmology to improve access while maintaining appropriate physician judgment, continuity of care, and high clinical standards.

Insurance Barriers, Prior Authorization, and Medication Access

Insurance rules can delay care even when treatment decisions are medically straightforward. Prior authorization, coverage restrictions, and other administrative hurdles can disrupt care, frustrate patients, and in some cases delay medically necessary treatment.

WVAEPS supports policies that reduce unnecessary delays and help patients receive medically appropriate eye care without avoidable administrative obstacles.

Children's Vision and Early Protection

Healthy vision supports learning, development, and long-term quality of life. Early identification of eye problems can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes for children.

WVAEPS supports policies that encourage early protection, timely referral, and evidence-based care for children's vision and eye health.

Fair Reimbursement and Practice Stability

Stable physician practices are essential to maintaining access to specialty eye care in West Virginia. When payment systems fail to keep pace with the cost of delivering care, it becomes harder for practices to invest in staff, technology, and patient services.

WVAEPS supports payment policies that help physicians continue serving patients and maintaining access to care in communities that already face workforce and specialty shortages.

Advocacy That Keeps Patients First

WVAEPS works with physicians, policymakers, and community partners to support policies that protect sight and preserve access to high-quality eye care in West Virginia.

Its advocacy is shaped by current issues affecting patients and physicians alike, including access to specialty care, chronic disease, scope-of-practice debates, insurance barriers, and the long-term stability of physician practices.

For more information about WVAEPS advocacy efforts, or to learn how policy decisions affect eye care in West Virginia, please contact WVAEPS.