Dr. Hasan-Federal Advocacy in Action: AAO Mid-Year Forum & Congressional Advocacy Day 2026
Federal Advocacy in Action: AAO Mid-Year Forum & Congressional Advocacy Day
April 14–18, 2026 | Washington, DC
Sohail J. Hasan, MD, PhD, FACS, FASRS, FRCSC of Illinois Retina Associates—Chair of OPHTHPAC for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and Chair of the Retina Consultants of America (RCA) Advocacy Committee—played a leading role at the 2026 AAO Mid-Year Forum (MYF) and Congressional Advocacy Day (CAD) in Washington, DC.
The Mid-Year Forum is one of the Academy’s most important annual meetings, bringing together ophthalmologists from across the country to engage directly with policymakers and help shape the future of our profession and the care we provide to our patients.
As Chair of OPHTHPAC, Dr. Hasan led multiple key initiatives throughout the week. He chaired the OPHTHPAC Board Meeting, which brought together AAO leadership and physician advocates to review advocacy priorities, fundraising strategy, and federal legislative efforts. He also hosted and served as Master of Ceremonies for Congressional Advocacy Day and delivered remarks at the CAD briefing dinner, helping prepare ophthalmologists for meaningful engagement with members of Congress.
During Congressional Advocacy Day, Dr. Hasan met with legislators alongside the Illinois delegation, advocating for policies that protect patient access to high-quality eye care and support the sustainability of ophthalmic practice.
A highlight of the week was the presentation of AAO Visionary Awards, recognizing members of Congress who have demonstrated leadership in advancing patient care. Dr. Hasan, together with AAO President Christopher J. Rapuano, MD, presented awards to Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS), Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) in recognition of their commitment to ophthalmology and patient access.
RCA was well represented throughout the meeting, reflecting its growing commitment to advocacy at the national level. As part of Cencora, this engagement also highlights the opportunity for broader collaboration in advancing patient care and healthcare policy. Colleagues including Chloe Gould, Will Parke, MD, Ankoor Shah, MD, and Rosa Kim, MD participated in MYF and CAD, contributing to the Academy’s broader advocacy efforts.
In addition, Dr. Hasan participated in the AAO Council Meeting and multiple policy sessions addressing key issues such as physician reimbursement, access to care, and the evolving healthcare landscape.
The Mid-Year Forum and Congressional Advocacy Day remain critical opportunities for ophthalmologists to engage in the legislative process, ensuring that the voice of our profession—and our patients—is heard at the national level.
Dr. Sohail J. Hasan on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, during the American Academy of Ophthalmology Mid-Year Forum and Congressional Advocacy Day
Dr. Sohail J. Hasan with physician members of Congress—Rep. Mike Kennedy, MD (R-UT) on the left and Rep. Kelly Morrison, MD (D-MN) on the right—highlighting the importance of clinical perspective in national healthcare policy
Dr. Sohail J. Hasan delivering remarks at the Congressional Advocacy Day briefing dinner
Dr. Sohail J. Hasan with the Illinois delegation during Congressional Advocacy Day—bringing a bit of history along for the visit
Dr. Sohail J. Hasan alongside AAO President Christopher J. Rapuano, MD, presenting Visionary Awards to congressional leaders—clockwise from top left: Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS), Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA)—in recognition of their commitment to patient access and quality eye care
Dr. Sohail J. Hasan with colleagues from Retina Consultants of America—clockwise from top left: Chloe Gould, Will Parke, MD, Ankoor Shah, MD, and Rosa Kim, MD—representing a shared commitment to advocacy and the future of ophthalmology
