April 25, 2024 — The Vision Council (TVC) recently hosted its 2024 Congressional Hill Fly-In, where members from the vision community met with more than 20 offices of policymakers to discuss policies affecting optical manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

“Through constructive dialogue with key lawmakers, we're shaping policies that not only bolster the optical industry but also enhance the daily lives of Americans,” says TVC CEO Ashley Mills.

The event began on April 17 as attendees prepared for their Capitol Hill visits. The day of education included a panel led by reps. Michael Capuano and Matt Cartwright, who offered strategies for engaging with the 118th Congress, and an appropriations overview by professional staffer on the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations Tom Pfieffer.

On April 18, TVC members visited Capitol Hill for meetings with various Congressional offices across the Senate and House of Representatives to discuss existing efforts that promote healthy vision and strengthen consumer access to vision care services and products.

TVC shares its ongoing government and regulatory priorities include the following:

• Creation of a comprehensive, fair, and transparent exclusion process to allow member companies to request relief from all Section 301 tariffs on imports from China
• Improving “Made in the USA” policies to make it easier for companies to utilize domestic production and advance the domestic supply chain
• Including vision care as part of broader health policy to foster new, innovative, and cost-effective treatments