Why It Matters
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has terminated its lobbying relationship with McDermottPlus LLC, effective August 31, according to a filing submitted August 28.
By The Numbers
The American Academy of Ophthalmology had filings since 2022 with the firm totaling $960,000 in reported lobbying fees.
The termination filing itself carried a $20,000 fee for the third quarter of 2026, suggesting the relationship extended through the end of summer before the firm formally closed out the engagement.
Broader Context
In the broader policy landscape, the Safe Step Act was reintroduced in the 119th Congress as both S.2903 and H.R.5509, addressing step therapy protocols in healthcare programs. The Veterans Affairs Department also updated its community care guidelines to allow invasive eye procedures to be performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist based on state licensure of the provider, a development that could affect how federal healthcare systems handle ophthalmological services.
The Bottom Line
McDermottPlus LLC maintained a team of four registered lobbyists on the American Academy of Ophthalmology account as of the third quarter of 2026. Rodney Whitlock served as Vice President at McDermottPlus LLC on the American Academy of Ophthalmology account and had prior committee experience with the Senate Finance Committee during Congresses 112-114. Debbie Curtis served as Principal at McDermottPlus LLC and had prior committee experience with the House Ways and Means Committee. Josh Jorgensen, Director, had prior experience in the office of Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD). Maddie News, Manager, rounded out the team.
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