Alliance Leaders Joined Together to Amplify their Collective Dedication to Advancing
Patient-Centered Initiatives
Washington, D.C. – May 2, 2024 – On April 16, the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (HCAPS) hosted a congressional briefing emphasizing its steadfast commitment to patient safety and the critical role of the doctor-patient relationship in our health care system. Sponsored by Representative Dave Joyce (R-OH), the event, "Eye on 2024," drew a bipartisan audience of congressional staffers from both the House and Senate eager to engage with their crucial message.
Distinguished leaders from HCAPS and its esteemed partners played a pivotal role in the briefing and participated in a panel discussion. Panelists included:
- Dr. David Cockrell, Chairman of the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety
- Dr. Charissa Lee, Head of North America Professional Affairs for Johnson & Johnson
- Dr. Millicent Knight, Senior Vice President, Customer Development Group for Essilor Luxottica
- Michelle Andrews, Vice President, Professional and Government Affairs for CooperVision
Central to the dialogue was the pivotal role of doctors of optometry in delivering unparalleled vision care and the paramount importance they play in patient safety within the vision care landscape. Panelists delved into pressing patient safety concerns, ranging from the escalating prevalence of myopia (nearsightedness) and the problematic rise of company-driven substitution of contact lenses, to underscoring the imperative need for proactive measures to safeguard public eye health.
During the event, HCAPS endorsed the Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act (S. 4083/HR. 2748), championed by Senators Duckworth and Boozman as well as Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester and Michael Burgess. The bipartisan legislation aims to modernize contact lens prescription verification processes, bolster patient safety and enhance access to quality eye care.
The congressional briefing served as a dynamic platform for fostering collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and advocates, reaffirming the unwavering commitment to prioritizing patient well-being and preserving the doctor-patient relationship. For more information on HCAPS, visit patientsafetytoday.com.
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About the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety
The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety is a coalition of leading eye health advocates dedicated to championing patient safety and upholding the vital doctor-patient relationship in vision care. By advocating for policies that prioritize patient well-being and empower informed decision-making, the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety strives to ensure equitable access to exceptional eye care for all individuals.
Contact:
Ralph Kohl, Executive Director
Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety
202-631-0208