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The Florida Society of Ophthalmology

The EyeMDs


Preparing for the 2012 Legislative Session

The session will convene two months early on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, and last for 60 days.

The first annual Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) Leadership Luncheon was held in conjunction with the Masters in Ophthalmology 2011 Annual Meeting on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at The Breakers in Palm Beach. The Luncheon was very well attended by an interested and enthusiastic group. The guest speakers included national updates from American Medical Association President, Cecil Wilson, MD and state updates from Florida Medical Association President, Madelyn Butler, MD. James Croley, MD, FSO member and American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Representative, spoke to participants regarding the importance of contributing to the AAO’s Surgical Scope Fund. Stephen Schwartz, MD, presented Dr. Croley with a generous contribution to the Surgical Scope Fund on behalf of the FSO. All the speakers emphasized the importance of FSO member involvement, both personally and financially, on a local level. The tremendous importance of working together with a common voice was highlighted and exemplified by the numerous achievements in the past year in Florida. There was a contrast with the events in Kentucky, where the involvement came too late and at a tremendous price. Another important highlight from the Luncheon included recognition of the two FSO Legislators of the Year awards. Senator Don Gaetz and Representative Dean Cannon were both unable to attend the Luncheon due to prior commitments regarding the redistricting hearings; however, they were still recognized and applauded by the FSO for their outstanding legislative advocacy during the 2011 Legislative Session in promoting and protecting the medical specialty of ophthalmology and ensuring the delivery of the highest standard of eye care throughout the State of Florida. The FSO is grateful for all their hard work, leadership and support.

The FSO has already begun preparing for the 2012 Legislative Session. The Legislative Session will convene two months early on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, and last for 60 days. The Special Reapportionment Session occurs every 10 years to redraw legislative and congressional district lines. The FSO Board met in June to discuss legislative priorities for 2012. As the Legislative Committee and Lobbying Team continue to prepare for 2012, we will do our best to keep you informed of our agenda. It is critical, that as we work hard for the FSO members and patients of Florida that you help support us by contributing to the FOCUS, CCE and/or the President’s Leadership Circle (see page 4 for the contribution form). Contributions to the FOCUS, CCE and the President’s Leadership Circle help the FSO support political candidates and parties who are supportive of our legislative priorities. Additionally, we encourage you to become more active on a local level and would appreciate your involvement. If you would like to become more active politically, consider becoming a Key Contact for the FSO. A Key Contact reaches out to their local Legislators to educate them on critical issues of importance to ophthalmology.

If you are interested in becoming a Key Contact, please call the FSO office at 904-998-0819.