Advocacy in Eye Care: How to Get Involved and Make a Difference

 

 

On this thought-provoking episode of ECP Viewpoints, host Dr. Jennifer Palombi is joined by fellow optometrists Dr. Pamela Lowe and Dr. Melanie Fragoso to delve into the multifaceted world of advocacy in eye care.

The episode unfolds as Dr. Lowe and Dr. Fragoso share their personal advocacy stories, illustrating how their efforts have fortified both their profession and patient outcomes. They reveal that advocacy can spring from diverse actions. From the intimacy of the exam room, where patient education happens, to the broader expanse of legislative activities, each act of advocacy is significant.

The conversation underscores that supporting advocacy groups, financially or otherwise, is another powerful way of bolstering the profession.

Crucially, this episode provides practical advice for those new to advocacy or those feeling unsure about their expertise. Dr. Lowe and Dr. Fragoso assure listeners that everyone, regardless of comfort or experience level, can make a difference in eye care advocacy.

Key discussion points:
1. The personal advocacy journeys of Dr. Lowe and Dr. Fragoso.
2. Various forms of advocacy: from patient education to legislative participation.
3. The importance of supporting advocacy organizations.
4. Guidance for those new to advocacy activities.

As Dr. Lowe succinctly puts it: “Every patient encounter is a chance to advocate for eye health.”

Recent Episodes

Severe weather is no longer an occasional disruption for telecom providers—it’s becoming part of the operating environment. During Hurricane Ida in 2021, the Federal Communications Commission reported that nearly 1,000 cell sites across Louisiana and Mississippi went offline. In 2024, Hurricane Milton left more than 12% of cell sites in impacted areas of Florida…

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies. In this episode of School Safety Today, host Dr. Amy Grosso sits down with Dr. Penny Schultz, Assistant Director of School Safety and Security at Chesapeake Public Schools, to unpack the often-misunderstood role of School Resource Officers (SROs). The conversation highlights how effective SROs function not…

For the first time in history, workplaces now span five generations, forcing leaders to rethink long-standing assumptions about motivation, communication, and career growth. As Gen Z enters the workforce, they bring expectations shaped by a desire for meaningful work, clear development paths, and work-life balance—rather than traditional, one-size-fits-all career ladders. In an era marked…