Advocacy / POPAC/POI

Proactive Optometry Initiative (POI)

The Proactive Optometry Initiative (POI) is a new effort by the POA to combine the POPAC program with a new Grassroots Optometry Network to encourage members' involvement with future legislation, like a much-needed scope expansion bill, and make connections with important legislators in Pennsylvania.

One-Time or Recurring Monthly Donation

By clicking the button below, you can contribute any amount to POPAC one time or set up a recurring monthly donation by selecting the checkbox under "Make This Recurring (Monthly)." The POA welcomes all donations for POPAC, but recommends monthly, ongoing support at a minimum of $41.67 per month.

What is the Proactive Optometry Initiative (POI)?

The Proactive Optometry Initiative (POI) is a new effort by the POA to combine the POPAC program with a new Grassroots Optometry Network to encourage members' involvement with future legislation, like a much-needed scope expansion bill, and make connections with important legislators in Pennsylvania.

POPAC + GRASSROOTS OPTOMETRY NETWORK = PROACTIVE OPTOMETRY INITIATIVE

What is POPAC?

The Pennsylvania Optometric Political Action Committee (POPAC) is a voluntary, non-profit, nonpartisan organization of doctors of optometry and others interested in optometric eye care. POPAC, a registered political action committee, promotes comprehensive eye care through active support to political candidates who recognize the needs of optometrists and the patients we serve. It is a legal method of supporting candidates who are favorable to optometry's issues and is in full compliance with all reporting requirements. Frequently, major decisions affecting eye care and the profession of optometry are legislative decisions. Optometry's scope of practice is determined by the legislature. Many legislators support optometry's position and goals; some do not. Lawmakers who support optometry deserve support from those who value their commitment. POPAC does not buy votes. POPAC does help us have an active voice in the political process. The POA, as a professional organization, is prohibited by law from contributing to political campaigns. POPAC, as a political action committee, is legally authorized to receive donations and make contributions to political campaigns. POPAC is non-partisan in its selection of candidates. The program and platform of each individual candidate on optometric issues, rather than a party label, determines whom POPAC supports. Federal and state laws permit only individual contributions to political action committees. Corporate contributions (via check or credit/debit card) are prohibited. Contributions to POPAC are not tax deductible.

How does the POI work?

Investments that members allocate to POPAC are collected and billed by the POA office like they normally have been.
The objective of the Grassroots Optometry Network is to encourage our members to make individual non POPAC contributions directly to their local legislators and attend their fundraisers and events. This program is intended to bolster our keyperson network through repeated encounters with our legislators at their local levels.
Contributions that members allocate to the Grassroots Optometry Network are to be made directly from the OD to the legislator's campaign that he or she is supporting. They are not to be sent to POPAC or the POA office.
To receive credit for one's Grassroots Optometry Network pledge, the member simply submits a copy of the cancelled check or some proof of payment to a legislator's campaign to the POA office along with his or her completed legislative encounter form.
If a member does not meet his or her committed allotment to the Grassroots Optometry Network by the of the contribution year, he or she authorizes the POA staff to bill that unmet contribution to that member's credit card as an additional POPAC investment for that year.