The Vision Council delegation met Robin Colwell in the White House

Yesterday, The Vision Copuncil announced that members and staff of The Vision Council visited the White House and met with Robin Colwell, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, to advocate on behalf of the member base and the industry at large.

According to the organization the spokespeople emphasized how access to affordable vision care supports public health and education, a robust workforce, and healthy aging. Furthermore, the group expressed concerns about the impact of current trade policies on patients, providers, and domestic production.

CEO Ashley Mills was joined by the following members who shared their input across different facets of the industry: 

• Scott Shapiro, Europa Eyewear, described how his U.S.-based manufacturing facility faces challenges with imported component and the restrictions of “Made in USA” labeling.
• Brandon Butler, Artisan Lab Network & PAL, noted the challenges labs face in reshoring production.
• Jamie Rosin, Rosin Optical Co. Inc., emphasized the downstream health impacts on patients and vulnerable populations.
• Ken Bradley, Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc., highlighted the impacts on programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs.

Together, the group emphasized how tariffs are increasing the cost of eyewear and vision products, many of which are classified as Class I medical devices and are essential to children, seniors, veterans, and low-income individuals. These products are often supported through public programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs—meaning increased costs also affect taxpayers.

For many small businesses and independent optical providers, these increases are straining operations and slowing efforts to onshore manufacturing. 

In addition to outlining these challenges, The Vision Council presented constructive policy solutions aimed at easing the pressure on the optical industry and American patients: 

• Revisiting “Made in USA” labeling standards for products assembled domestically with imported products
• Regulatory parity with other Class I medical devices 
• Broader incentives to support domestic manufacturing and supply chain development 

Stay up to date on the latest tariff news from The Vision Council by visiting https://thevisioncouncil.org/members/2025-tariff-developments.