As many of you know the Florida Medical Association (FMA) and the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) were successful in defeating an oral prescribing bill pushed by optometrists last year. A group of optometrists are at it again and have filed bills in the Florida House (sponsored by Rep. Caldwell) and in the Senate (by Senator Bennett). These irresponsible bills, undermine our profession and endanger our patients. Adding to the problem is that ophthalmologists have written letters in support of this egregious assault on the house of medicine. We have obtained these letters and rest assured, I will do everything legally possible to debunk the perception that organized ophthalmology supports the optometry position.

I am not here to cry wolf or to be an alarmist. I am here to tell you that the threat to ophthalmology is real – all you need to do is look at what happened in Kentucky. After engaging in discussions with those in the know throughout the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting, I am both surprised and disturbed by the apathy that seems to have engulfed us. I spoke with several Florida ophthalmologists who were not members of the FSO and even some who were not sure if they were members. This lack of participation will be our professions undoing. Our support from the FMA is wavering and not because they do not believe in our cause, but because ophthalmologists are taking the side of optometric scope expansion. This mixed message combined with our fundraising deficiencies is tying the hands of the FSO Board that represents you. I am asking for your support on two fronts. First, I want each of you to ask a colleague who is not a member to join our society. There is strength in numbers. In addition, I would like each of you to commit $3 a day to protect your patients and the sanctity of your medical degree that you worked so hard to earn. Notice I used the word “earn”. Make a contribution to FOCUS, CCE on the form in this issue or online at www.mdeye.org/focus. There is a clear path for anyone in the United States who wants to become an ophthalmologist. We all know because we did it. Get an undergraduate degree, go to medical school, complete an internship, and then residency. Do a fellowship if you like for good measure. Remember how hard it was? Remember how long it took? Now imagine that process being undermined and sidestepped by people who would rather pay a legislator to bestow the rights and privileges upon them without the effort or knowledge. That is what is happening right now. I am here to help lead, but we (your FSO Board) cannot do it alone. Please get involved.