Eyes on Washington: How Atwal Eye Care Is Championing Vision Health from Buffalo to Capitol Hill
When most people think of Washington, D.C., they picture monuments, museums and politics. But for Debbie Davis, CEO of Atwal Eye Care, Capitol Hill represents something much more personal. It is a place where the future of patient care is shaped and where every voice matters, especially those advocating for better healthcare.
Debbie recently returned from the Alliance of Specialty Medicine’s annual Fly-In, a powerful gathering of healthcare leaders from across the country who come together to meet with lawmakers and push for policy changes that protect and advance specialty care. We caught up with Debbie to learn more about this important journey, why it matters to Western New York, and who is walking alongside Atwal Eye Care in support.
Q: Why is this trip to Washington so important to you and Atwal Eye Care?
“The Fly-In is a vital trip I make every year because it allows me to speak directly with members of Congress about the real-world challenges our patients and providers face. Every year brings new hurdles, whether it’s rising administrative burdens, unfair reimbursement cuts, or expanding scope of practice issues. Being there, face-to-face with lawmakers, gives me the chance to share real stories from our practice in Western New York.
It’s about more than just advocating for eye care. It’s about fighting for patient access, quality outcomes and preserving the doctor-patient relationship. When you’re surrounded by other passionate leaders from across specialties, our unified voice becomes one.”
Q: Why does Atwal Eye Care feel it’s necessary to have a seat at the policy table?
“Because meaningful change starts with showing up. Atwal Eye Care doesn’t just want to provide exceptional clinical care — we want to be part of the national conversation that shapes how care is delivered. That means advocating for fair insurance practices, fewer bureaucratic obstacles and policies that let doctors be doctors again.
We see firsthand how broken systems affect our patients with delays in approvals, lack of coverage and endless paperwork that pulls us away from care. By stepping into rooms in D.C., we’re bringing patient stories with us and demanding better solutions on their behalf.”
Q: Was there anyone in particular you were grateful to connect with during your time in Washington?
“Absolutely. I want to sincerely thank Congressman Nick Langworthy, who represents New York’s 23rd District. He welcomed us with open arms, listened carefully to our concerns and showed a real commitment to improving healthcare — not just in our region, but across the board.
His willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue was a powerful reminder that advocacy works when leaders are accessible and open to conversation. I’m hopeful about what we can accomplish together moving forward.
Q: Why is this trip something you’re personally passionate about?
“Because I’ve seen the direct connection between policy decisions made in D.C. and the care we deliver every day. These decisions affect whether our patients can access the care they need, how we’re reimbursed and whether small, independent practices like ours can continue to thrive.
If we’re not at the table, someone else is making those decisions for us and often without understanding the full impact. I’m passionate about making sure that never happens. Advocacy is how we protect the integrity of our work and the wellbeing of our patients.”
Thanks to passionate leaders like Debbie Davis, Atwal Eye Care is ensuring that the voices of physicians and patients are heard loud and clear on Capitol Hill. Protecting the future of vision health is as powerful as one conversation at a time.
Stay tuned as Atwal Eye Care continues to lead the way, not only in clinical excellence but in meaningful advocacy that reaches far beyond the exam room.