Illinois Optometric Association
The Springfield-based Illinois Optometric Association (IOA) claims
it has a "close working relationship" with the Department
of Professional Regulations, which licenses and disciplines optometrists.
The American Optometric Association, of which the IOA is a part,
was accused in a 1996 antitrust case of agreeing with Bausch &
Lomb and Johnson & Johnson to limit contact lens distribution
so that patients would have to go to their optometrists for replacement
lenses. Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan announced a settlement
to the case in 2001 in which Bausch & Lomb agreed to pay $17.5
million to a group of 32 states.
The Illinois Optometric Association is a career patron of former
House Republican Leader Lee Daniels (R) and former Senate President
James "Pate" Philip (R).
From January 1, 1993 to June 30, 2004, Illinois Optometric Association
gave $884,000 to candidates for Illinois statewide constitutional
and legislative office, 57.7% of which was contributed to Republicans.
Last revised August, 2004.
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