Alliance for Affordable Vision Care Launches to Protect Access, Choice, and Affordability in Vision Care Nationwide
Broad coalition of business, healthcare, labor, civic, ethnic, and disability advocacy groups unite to defend consumers’ right to affordable vision care
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ST. LOUIS, MO — January 26, 2026 — The Alliance for Affordable Vision Care (AAVC) today announced its official launch as a broad-based coalition committed to protecting Americans’ access to affordable, high-quality vision care. The Alliance brings together leaders from across sectors including the Foundation Aiding the Elderly (FATE), Latin Business Association, VSP Vision, Power of Sight, the Healthy Vision Association, and other national and community organizations representing business, healthcare, labor, civic, ethnic, and disability rights groups all dedicated to ensuring that affordable vision care remains a cornerstone of Americans’ overall health and well-being.
“Affordable vision care isn’t a luxury; it’s a public health necessity,” said Rich Schindehette, president of the Healthy Vision Association, a founding member organization of AAVC. “Our coalition is working to defend the rights of millions of consumers to access and use their vision benefits fully, choose providers and care settings that meet their unique needs, and get the most value from their healthcare dollar.”
At a time when healthcare affordability is under pressure, and essential benefits are being challenged, the Alliance exists to defend the stability and accessibility of vision care through policies that preserve affordable care and choice. Key pillars include:
Affordability: Vision care must remain accessible for families, workers, and employers
Affordable vision care is essential for public health, economic growth, and healthy communities. While healthcare premiums have risen sharply—more than 50% in the past decade— vision care premiums have remained stable, with monthly costs increasing by less than a dollar over the same period. Protecting affordability ensures that workers can stay productive, children can succeed in school, and communities can thrive.
Education: Vision care is essential to overall health
Regular vision care is a fundamental part of preventive health. Routine eye exams not only support eye health but can detect early signs of serious chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Ensuring patients understand the vital role eye health plays in long-term wellness is a primary focus of the AAVC’s work.
Empowerment: Patients deserve the information and tools to make informed choices
Patients should have the information and resources they need to maximize their benefits, choose the providers that best meet their needs, and receive care when and where it works for them. Empowering individuals and families with transparent information ensures they can take full advantage of their benefits.
Proven and Working Well: Managed vision care delivers value, stability, and high satisfaction
Managed vision care costs have remained stable and effective, delivering high value for employers and consumers while helping catch vision and health problems early. Patients consistently report strong satisfaction with their vision benefits, and the model continues to support access, choice, and positive outcomes across the country.
A Call to Defend Affordable Vision Care
The Alliance will share research, stories, and resources with employers, policymakers, and the public to highlight the importance of vision benefits and counter misinformation that threatens consumer access. As anti-vision care legislation emerges in several states, AAVC members are committed to educating decision-makers and ensuring that every American, especially working families, can continue to see clearly, work confidently, and live their healthiest lives.
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About the Alliance for Affordable Vision Care
The Alliance for Affordable Vision Care (AAVC) is a national coalition of organizations representing business, healthcare, labor, civic, and community interests dedicated to protecting access to affordable vision care for all Americans. The Alliance works to ensure that patients, employers, and families can make informed choices about their eye care, maintain strong provider networks, and promote health equity through preventive vision care.
For more information: info@affordablevisioncare.org
