According to an insider as reported on DisabledVeterans.org, the secretary of Veterans Affairs, David Shulkin, MD, suggested VA healthcare directors get rid of both optometry and audiology services.
The rationale is (of course) to save money by removing these services, and to plow the savings into upgrading VA facilities.
He allegedly stated that there are “LensCrafters on every corner“, presumably meaning that the private sector has adequately met the demand for these services, and thus it is unnecessary for the VA to replicate them.
The AOA has issued a forceful statement in response.
Would this move actually save money? Would it help or hurt the quality of care?
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