ORLANDO – The Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO), the preeminent professional association for medical and osteopathic doctors who specialize in vision care, elected Rick E. Bendel, M.D., as vice president at its Annual Meeting, Masters in Ophthalmology 2012, held June 22-24 in Orlando, FL.

As FSO vice president, Dr. Bendel will help lead the nonprofit association, which represents more than 500 medical doctors focused on protecting the medical and surgical specialty of ophthalmology. In addition to active participation in legislative advocacy and the dissemination of responsible information to physicians and patients throughout the state, the FSO also provides continuing medical education opportunities.

Dr. Bendel is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and a Consultant for the Department of Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist and licensed to practice medicine in Florida and Michigan. 

Dr. Bendel has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and abstracts. He has been an editor and reviewer for the American Journal of Ophthalmology since 2004. Dr. Bendel has given numerous scientific and medical presentations and investigations at national and international meetings including the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), European Glaucoma Society and the Mayo Clinic Alumni Association. He has also had two visiting professorships - one at Universities and Hospitals in China, Hong Kong, Chengdu and Beijing in the People’s Republic of China, and the other at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. 

Dr. Bendel received his Bachelor of Arts from Pomona College and his Medical Degree from the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Bendel also completed an internship at the University of Oklahoma and an ophthalmology residency and fellowship at the Kresge Eye Institute of Wayne State University.

The mission of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology is to promote and to protect the medical specialty of ophthalmology through active participation in legislative advocacy and through providing continuing medical education and the dissemination of responsible information to its members, physicians and to the citizens of Florida to ensure the delivery of the highest standard of eye care throughout the state of Florida. For more information, visit www.mdeye.org.