ST. LOUIS—The American Optometric Association’s (AOA) nationwide public awareness campaign is making waves and reinforcing the essential care doctors of optometry deliver. Launched in April 2021, Eye Deserve More underscores that every American deserves in-person comprehensive care from an AOA doctor of optometry as part of their eye health and overall health and well-being. The AOA campaign is bringing the expertise of AOA doctors into focus to build patient trust and convince the public to consider comprehensive eye exams as an integral part of their overall health care.

To date, the campaign, the organization reports, has reached more than 26 million people digitally, garnered nearly 3,500 media placements, 3.7 billion media impressions and received 91,000 clicks to AOA’s doctor locator.

Through partnerships with elite athletes like pro-surfer Caroline Marks and pro-basketball player Tacko Fall,  coverage in national and local news outlets, impactful social media content and dynamic digital ads, the multi-faceted initiative aims to show the critical role doctors of optometry play in keeping patients healthy and reinforces the importance of in-person care. To build further awareness and drive patients to schedule an exam, the AOA is showcasing real-life patient stories to illustrate how important the doctor-patient relationship is for quality care. 

VMAIL reported on the partnership with the NBA's Fall in December and surfer Marks in April.

This week, AOA is sharing a "sizzle" reel video,  seen here, of the Eye Deserve More activities to date on its social channels.

Building on the success of the past year, AOA is taking the campaign to the next level in March, the AOA spokesperson told VMAIL, launching the next phase of the Eye Deserve More campaign engaging gamers and companies who are in the gaming industry.

“As we move forward into 2022, the AOA is excited about the new opportunities the year poses to continue telling the story of who doctors of optometry are now and into the future,” says AOA president Robert C. Layman, O.D. “Americans constantly face misinformation and lack understanding of the essential care doctors of optometry deliver. Beyond encouraging in-person eye exams, this forward-looking platform will truly underscore the breadth of care they provide for patients and local communities every day.”