MISSOURI OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION

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ExecutiveDirector’s ReportPride inAccomplishmentsby Joyce Baker, MOA Executive DirectorOur membership should take pride in the accomplishments ofthe Missouri Optometric Association this past year. First, theMOA has worked to build member services by offering social andlegislative events and educational functions that help associationmembers run their businesses and network with fellowoptometrists. These opportunities are important, and you can takepride in what has been done and what is being done.This year’s MOA Legislative Conference held January 9, 2006,began with a special invitation-only breakfast at the Governor’sMansion. Afterwards, the day featured two hours of continuingeducation with Rep/Dr. Jim McClendon (R–Alabama) and otheradvocacy specialists. The sponsor of the Missouri’s Children’sVision bill, Senator Delbert Scott, shared his perspective on theupcoming legislative session, as did the MOA’s own optometriclegislators Dr. Terry Swinger (D) and Dr. Steve Tilley (R).MOA eventshelp membersachieve theirprofessionalgoals.Missouri Supreme Court Justice the Honorable Mary RhodesRussell addressed the group, and Michael Ditmore, M.D.,Missouri’s Division of Medical Services Director sharedMedicaid information. A reception in Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder’soffice in the afternoon, the delivery of the “now-famous”cinnamon rolls and an evening reception for members of theMissouri General Assembly rounded out the day.
MOA filed Children’s VisionLegislation in MissouriThis legislationmandated thatevery childenrolling inkindergarten orfirst grade musthave at least onevisionexamination by astate licensed eyecare professional. This examination must take place nolater than January 1 following their enrollment. MOAwas not successful in the passage of this legislation.The bill has drawn a large amount of support from theboth the Democrats and Republicans in the MissouriLegislature. MOA is filing this bill again during theupcoming legislative session.BondintroducesVisionCarefor KidsAct“The Vision Care for Kids Act of 2006,” S. 3685,supported by the American Optometric Association(AOA), was introduced by U.S. Sen. Christopher“Kit” Bond (R-Mo.), a leader in Congress oneducation and health issues who still suffers frompermanent vision loss due to his own undiagnosedamblyopia, or lazy eye, as a child.“Good vision is critical to learning. In fact, 80 percentof what children learn in their early school years isvisual. This important legislation will improve visioncare for children to better equip them to succeed inschool and in life,” Sen. Bond said. “With the supportof the American Academy of Ophthalmology, theAmerican Optometric Association and the VisionCouncil of America, together we will make a differencein the lives of children across the country.”S. 3685 would establish a federal grant programfocusing on treatment to bolster children’s visioninitiatives in the states and encourage children’svision partnerships with non-profit entities,including groups as committed to the cause ofsafeguarding the sight of America’s children asstate optometric associations.Restored Medicaid FundingDuring the 2006 legislative session, MOA wassuccessful—with the help of RepresentativesTilley and Swinger—in restoring Medicaidfunding for eyeglasses every other year for adults.Wheelchair batteries were also added after theextreme Medicaid cuts from last session.Dr. Lee Ann BarrettHeart of AmericaofOptometrist theYearDr. Lee Ann Barrett wasawarded the Heart of AmericaContact Lens Society’s Optometrist of the Yearduring the awards luncheon at the annualcongress in February.• She joined the American OptometricAssociation and the Missouri OptometricAssociation (MOA) while she was in optometryschool at the University of Missouri - St. Louis(UMSL) College of Optometry.• Dr. Barrett received her degree in 1985, andsince that time, she has worked tirelessly on behalfof her patients.• In the course of her practice, she volunteers asan InfantSEE provider.• After training in Mexico City in 2002, she hasheld the position of Clinical Director for the SpecialOlympics Lions Club International Opening EyesProgram, which provides vision screenings andglasses to Special Olympics athletes.• She’s been married 25 years to Robert C.Barrett. They have one son, Alexander, age 19. Dr.Barrett makes her home in Boonville.
Page 6 and 7: One of the biggest undertakings thi
Page 8 and 9: Treasurer’s ReportMaintaining Our
Page 12 and 13: Missouri OD’s Travelto Capitol Hi
Page 14 and 15: Notes
Page 16 and 17: AffiliatedOrganizationsLori Swopes,
Page 18 and 19: PublicRelationsKyle E. Brost, O.D.,
Page 20 and 21: GovernmentalAffairsMark D. Curtis,
Page 22 and 23: MOAAuxiliaryAmy Powell, President
Page 24 and 25: MOA -PACContributionPolitical Actio
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MISSOURI OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION

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