Awarded for advancing patient care and the optometric profession

Minnesota Optometric Association is proud to announce Senator Jordan Rasmusson as a recipient of the Healthcare Champion Award.

“The Healthcare Champion Award is given to those who recognize that scope of practice is truly about patient care,” said Dr. Tate Herman, president of the Minnesota Optometric Association. “Senator Rasmusson understood the barriers our patients faced and fought tirelessly to ensure that doctors of optometry can practice to the extent of their education and training. This is a win for every Minnesotan.”

This honor recognizes Senator Rasmusson’s unwavering commitment to Minnesotan patients and his work promoting the key role optometry plays in primary health care.

Previously, Minnesota was in the bottom 10% nationwide for optometric scope of practice.

Senator Rasmusson’s dedicated work forged pathways to pass landmark legislation, modernizing optometric scope in the state for the first time in more than two decades. The legislation, passed in June 2025 and effective as of August 1, 2025, removed outdated restrictions on oral medications and allowed for certain additional in-office procedures, ultimately ensuring Minnesotans have greater access to timely, high-quality eye care.

“Updating outdated restrictions makes it easier for Minnesotans to access quality care from the optometrists already serving their communities,” said Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls).  “Thank you to the Minnesota Optometric Association and all advocates who helped make this change possible.”

Thank you to all legislators who worked alongside Senator Rasmusson and made this huge stride forward possible, allowing optometrists to help patients receive care in their own communities in a timely manner.