State Sen. Cristina Castro named Illinois Optometric Association Legislator of the Year

The Illinois Optometric Association has named Illinois Senator Cristina Castro as Legislator of the Year for her outstanding contributions to the association.

Castro was the chief sponsor of SB764, known better as the Vision Care Plan Regulation Act.

The Aug. 4, 2023, signing of SB764 allows for reforms that provide fairness and transparency in contracting with vision plans. One essential item in the legislation prohibits a vision care organization from restricting an eye care provider's freedom to choose suppliers, materials, or labs or from requiring an eye care provider to purchase materials from a source owned by the entity that issued the vision care plan. The new law also requires an eye care provider to post a notice to patients if the provider does not accept the fee schedule set by the insurer for vision plans.

Castro has served the 22nd Senate District in the Illinois General Assembly since 2015. A second-generation Mexican-American and lifelong resident of the 22nd District, Senator Castro is the Majority Caucus Whip for the 103rd General Assembly and is Chairperson of the Executive Committee. She is also a member of the Latino Caucus and serves on the Appropriations, Energy and Public Utilities, Insurance, Labor and Revenue Committees.

The Illinois Optometric Association's mission is protecting and advancing optometry for the benefit of public health.