The FSO Clarity Report - Fall 2025
Masters in Ophthalmology 2026
Registration is NOW open for the Masters in Ophthalmology 2026 meeting.
Get ahead of your 2026 to do list and register today: www.ophmasters.com/register/! You can also book your hotel and mark both things off your list for 2026!
Highlights from the Masters in Ophthalmology 2025
Another great benefit for FSO members is access to the meeting highlights from past meetings. Videos and slides from some of the featured lectures presented at the Masters in Ophthalmology 2025 meeting are available online at: www.mdeye.org/education/meeting-resources/2025
As a reminder, this is a members-only benefit, so make sure you sign in using your FSO username and password to view these highlights.
If you need help with your username or password, please contact membership@mdeye.org.
Masters 2025 Meeting Sponsors
The Florida Society of Ophthalmology appreciates the support from many industry partners as they play an important part in ensuring our meeting has a fantastic turn out. Thank you to the following companies who are signed up to exhibit at Masters in Ophthalmology 2025:
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AbbVie
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Alcon
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Alivi Health
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Amgen
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ANI Pharmaceuticals
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Apellis Pharmaceuticals
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Astellas Pharma US
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Bausch + Lomb
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Cadence Collaborative
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Cardinal Health
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CorneaGen
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Dompe
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Essilor Instruments USA
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EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems Inc.
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For Eye Care Foundation
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Genentech-A Member of the Roche Group
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Glaukos
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Global Vision Inc.
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Harrow Inc.
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Heidelberg Engineering
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Kedrion BioPharma
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Lumibird Medical
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Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
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ModMed
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New World Medical
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Nextech
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Ocular Therapeutix
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Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company
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Optos Inc.
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Regeneron
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RxSight
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Samsara Vision
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ScienceBased Health
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SunPharma
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Tarsus Pharmaceuticals
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Topcon Healthcare
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Viatris Eye care Division
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Virtual Vision Health
Legislative Update
Monica Rodriguez
Legislative Consultant, Ballard Partners
Gearing up for next session...
As we put the 2025 Legislative Session in the rearview, which was marked by contentious budget negotiations and an unprecedented extension of session well into the summer, we take a moment to reflect on the key developments while also preparing for the upcoming year. Interim committee weeks are fast approaching and will begin in October. Regular Session is slated to begin shortly after the new year. As I write this report, bills are already being filed for consideration during the upcoming session. At this point, most are claim bills, but we will diligently watch as more bills are introduced and will flag anything pertinent to FSO.
We will see Senate President Ben Albritton and Speaker of the House Danny Perez preside over their respective chambers for the second and final year of their leadership roles. As you may recall, President Albritton is highly prioritizing agriculture issues, and we will see the next phase of his agenda as a follow-up to this year’s “Rural Renaissance” bill. Speaker Perez will likely try to revive his tax reform agenda, some of which was scrapped as budget negotiations came down to the wire and were unable to be resolved with the Senate and the Governor’s office. Governor Ron DeSantis will continue to influence policy, and we will have more insight into his administration’s priorities after we review the agency LBRs that were released in late October.
Several big-ticket issues are beginning to shape up this session. These issues could result in another extended session or in a special session that takes place during committee weeks. First, the Governor reiterated in a recent press conference that he wants the voters to decide on eliminating property taxes. He has made this a priority and mentioned that he will keep the legislature in session to make sure this occurs. The other big-ticket item involved a potential special session to address redistricting that could possibly occur during one of the committee weeks already scheduled. Lastly, the Governor announced that he does not want vaccine mandates. There are several vaccines that are required by Florida Statute in order to attend school. The statutes would have to change in order to remove the mandate. The House and Senate have not commented on this yet. We anticipate that the 2026 legislative session will be an interesting one.
To read more, log in and scroll to the bottom of this page.
For Eye Care Foundation Report
Laura B. Sims, MD
Chair, For Eye Care Foundation
Spotlight on Amblyopia Awareness Month
This past August, the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO), in partnership with the For Eye Care Foundation (FECF), proudly launched a statewide campaign for Amblyopia Awareness Month. The initiative was designed to increase awareness and empower Florida families by highlighting how early childhood vision screenings can change lives.
In collaboration with FSO President Zelia Correa, MD, PhD, the campaign began with a news release urging parents and guardians to start vision screenings during their child’s first year of life. The media release also included a useful screening guide for families.
As part of the outreach efforts, the FECF published an opinion piece in Florida Politics that reviewed amblyopia (“lazy eye”), discussed management and directed readers to additional resources on the FSO website. Our campaign also extended to social media featuring a series of educational graphics that focused on the symptoms of amblyopia, helping parents and guardians recognize when a child may be having difficulty with their vision. These posts were shared throughout the month of August.
As the charitable arm of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology, the For Eye Care Foundation remains committed to educational outreach and providing free pediatric vision screenings in underserved communities across Florida. In the past year, we screened over 980 children with the help of our vision partners. When the August screening was rescheduled, we kept the momentum by hosting an earlier event on June 14th at the Caridad Center in Boynton Beach. Of the 59 children tested, 22 were referred for further evaluation-many without a prior screening history. These results stress the urgent need for community education and accessible eye care.
Earlier this year, during the legislative session, FSO’s advocacy team worked with Senator Lori Berman to pass Senate Resolution 228. This resolution officially designated August 2025 as Amblyopia Awareness Month in Florida.
Thank you to everyone who helped spotlight the importance of early vision screenings—especially our dedicated volunteers: Lauree Manning, MD, Mary Allen, Michelle Russell, Bonnie Laso, Kelley Hayes, Beatris Santana, Lion Elise, and Lion Nerissa Chang.
Please, consider supporting the For Eye Care Foundation by volunteering and advocating for the visual health of Florida’s children. To make a contribution, please visit https://www.mdeye.org/support/contribute
Third Party Liaison Report
L. Neal Freeman, MD, FACS
Chair, Third Party Liaison
Humana claims denials
Humana has been inappropriately denying claims properly reported using modifier –79, (unrelated procedure or service by the same physician in the postoperative period). This has impacted doctors performing second eye cataract surgery within the global period of surgery on the first eye. Additionally, there are reports of administrative difficulties with the appeals process on these denials. American Academy of Ophthalmology members experiencing this problem are encouraged to contact the AAO directly at (202) 737-6662.
Humana downcoding
Humana has unilaterally elected to violate CPT guidelines regarding code selection for higher level services for some of its plans. These services include CPT 99204, 99205, 99214, 99215, 99244, 99245, 92004, and 92014.
Humana is determining reimbursement based on the diagnosis code on the claim, rather than on medical decision making or time for evaluation and management services as would be appropriate according to CPT guidelines. Code selection based on diagnosis is also inappropriate for the eye codes 92004 and 92014.
Other carriers may have similar policies, and this represents a disturbing trend.
Medicare prior authorization project
CMS will launch a five-year prior authorization demonstration project for certain ambulatory surgical center services in 10 states including Florida starting December 15, 2025. The targeted procedures include botulinum toxin injections, blepharoplasty, eyelid ptosis repairs, and eyebrow ptosis repair. Although seeking prior authorization is voluntary, claims without it will undergo prepayment review.
This action is being taken absent evidence that fraud is occurring at the ASC level for these services.
The targeted procedures include CPT 15920-15823, 67900-67906, 67908, 64612, 64615, and HCPCS J0585-J0588.
Membership Update
Helayna Brown, MD
Chair, Membership/Regional Representatives Committee
Membership & Mentorship Committee Updates – Get Involved!
We are excited to announce the formation of a Membership Committee, which will be a valuable asset to our society. This committee will consist of six (6) representatives, one from each region of the state: Pensacola, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa/Naples, Palm Beach, and Miami. If you are interested in serving on this committee or would like to recommend a colleague, please email membership@mdeye.org. We aim to hold our first committee meeting very soon!
Additionally, the Mentorship Committee has made significant progress in establishing a mentorship program designed to connect trainees with experienced ophthalmologists in the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO). This program will provide invaluable guidance as trainees transition from training to practice. We currently have six (6) dedicated mentors ready to get started, but we need more mentees to take advantage of this opportunity!
Please help us promote this initiative by sharing it with your colleagues. Encourage trainees to participate and benefit from this mentorship experience.
For more details, visit: Mentorship Program | Florida Society of Ophthalmology
Dues Season is Here – Renew Your Membership Today!
If you haven’t renewed your FSO membership yet, we encourage you to do so promptly. Your membership helps sustain our efforts to support and advocate for ophthalmologists across Florida.
While renewing, please consider making a donation to FOCUS, SOS, or For Eye Care Foundation to support our ongoing initiatives and ensure we can continue our important work.
Help Grow Our Membership – Earn $100 Off Your Dues!
As we all know, members are the future of our society. Help us grow by recruiting new members!
For every new member you bring in, you’ll receive $100 off your annual dues. There’s no limit—keep recruiting and keep saving!
Thank you for your support in strengthening our FSO community!
FSO Honored Members During 2025 Annual Business Meeting
Awardees were recognized for leadership, community service, and innovation in the field of ophthalmology.
On Saturday, June 7, the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) presented annual society awards to members during its Annual Business Meeting.
Zelia M. Correa, MD, PhD received the John R. Brayton, Jr., MD Leadership Award, established in honor of John R. Brayton, Jr., MD, and recognizes a Florida-based ophthalmologist who exemplifies leadership and dedication to the profession. Dr. Correa is a Professor of Ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, and the Director of Ocular Oncology and Echography at the same institution. Dr. Correa specializes in ocular oncology and vitreoretinal surgery. Prior to her current position at Bascom Palmer, she was the Tom Clancy Chair of Ophthalmology (2008-2020) and the Mary Knight Asbury Endowed Chair of Ocular Oncology and Ocular Pathology (2006-2007). She is involved with professional organizations such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO), Women in Retina, and the Maryland Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (MSEPS). During her term with MSEPS, she served as Scientific Chair (2019-2021) and Program Chair for the State Society Annual Meeting in 2021.
Throughout her career, Dr. Correa has been recognized for her clinical expertise, academics, and leadership. More recently she received the Senior Achievement Award by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Benjamin Boyd Humanitarian Award and the Ambassador for Education by the Pan American Association of Ophthalmology. She also serves on the Editorial Board of JAMA Ophthalmology, TVST, Brazilian Archives of Ophthalmology (Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia), EyeNet magazine, and Retina Times. Dr. Correa’s focus is on clinical and translational research in uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma.
Richard K. Lee, MD, PhD, received the David B. Cano, MD Volunteer Award. This award was established in honor of David B. Cano, MD, late co-founder and chairman of the For Eye Care Foundation. This award recognizes a Florida-based ophthalmologist who demonstrates volunteerism and goes above and beyond to serve humanity.
Dr. Lee is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Bascom Palmer Eye Insitute at the University of Miami School of Medicine. He holds the Walter G. Ross Chair Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmic Research. He is a long-time humanitarian - having been the recipient of Secretariat Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Benjamin F. Boyd Humanitarian Award for service to Haiti, the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Florida Hospital Association, and the Humanitarian Award from the American Glaucoma Society, among other recognitions for service.
Dr. Lee’s most recent commitment is founding the Darwin Eye Project. Started in 2014, the medical mission of the project provides eye care to Isabela Island in Ecuador, the largest and most remote island of the Galapagos. Medical students, ophthalmology trainees, and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute faculty provide the only ophthalmic service on the island annually.
Sarah R. Wellik, MD received the Florida Society of Ophthalmology’s Shaler Richardson, MD, Service to Medicine Award, established in honor of Shaler Richardson, MD, and recognizes an ophthalmologist who has made the greatest personal contribution to quality patient care by coordinating, participating, collaborating, and integrating ophthalmology into the great body of the medical profession on a local, state, or national level.
Dr. Sarah R. Wellik is a distinguished Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the University of Miami, where she has made significant contributions to the field through her research, teaching, and clinical practice. Dr. Wellik has published extensively and collaborated with leading experts in ophthalmology. Her latest research projects include integrating informatics to advancing our knowledge of glaucoma management and surgical controversies. She has actively participated in national medical organizations, serving on committees and governing boards and is proud of her work advocacy work with the Florida Society of Ophthalmology and the AAO Surgical Scope Fund.
Lauren C. Kiryakoza, MD, received the Michael R. Redmond, MD, Outstanding Young Ophthalmologist Award, established in honor of Michael R. Redmond, MD, and recognizes a Florida-based ophthalmologist younger than 40 years old, who has demonstrated organizational leadership, service, competence, and devotion to the high ethical and professional standards of the FSO.
Lauren Kiryakoza is completing her first year of surgical retina fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute where she will soon begin the Chief Resident year 2025-2026. She completed undergraduate education at the University of Michigan and medical school at Michigan State University. She is honored to receive this award and grateful to the FSO. She looks forward to her final year of training during which she will be directly involved in resident education and training.
2025-2026 FSO Leadership Team
Zelia M. Correa, MD, PhD renowned for her expertise in ocular oncology and vitreoretinal surgery, has assumed the presidency of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO). The appointment came following elections held during the FSO's Annual Business Meeting on Saturday, June 7, in Orlando.
The FSO also announced the elections of Ahad Mahootchi, MD as president-elect, Mollie Lagrew, MD as vice president of advocacy, Ron Adelman, MD as vice president of education, and Basil Williams, MD as vice president of outreach and Zubair Ansari, MD as secretary/treasurer.
Raquel Goldhardt, MD, FACS, will assume the position of Immediate Past-President and David Eichenbaum, MD will move into the Past President role.
Dr. Correa is a Professor of Ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, and the Director of Ocular Oncology and Echography at the same institution. Dr. Correa specializes in ocular oncology and vitreoretinal surgery. Prior to her current position at Bascom Palmer, she was the Tom Clancy Chair of Ophthalmology (2008-2020) and the Mary Knight Asbury Endowed Chair of Ocular Oncology and Ocular Pathology (2006-2007). She is involved with professional organizations such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO), Women in Retina, and the Maryland Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (MSEPS). During her term with MSEPS, she served as Scientific Chair (2019-2021) and Program Chair for the State Society Annual Meeting in 2021.
Throughout her career, Dr. Correa has been recognized for her clinical expertise, academics, and leadership. More recently she received the Senior Achievement Award by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Benjamin Boyd Humanitarian Award and the Ambassador for Education by the Pan American Association of Ophthalmology. She also serves on the Editorial Board of JAMA Ophthalmology, TVST, Brazilian Archives of Ophthalmology (Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia), EyeNet magazine, and Retina Times. Dr. Correa’s focus is on clinical and translational research in uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma.
Ahad Mahootchi, MD was installed as president-elect of the FSO at the Annual Business Meeting held during the Masters in Ophthalmology 2025 meeting on Saturday, June 7.
Dr. Ahad Mahootchi is primarily a cataract, refractive and glaucoma surgeon practicing in the Tampa Bay area for the last 29 years. He trained at Vanderbilt for both medical school and residency. He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and participates in maintenance of certification.
He founded The Eye Clinic of Florida and Same Day Surgery Center in Zephyrhills and is published regarding surgical micro-invasive glaucoma.
Dr. Mahootchi has been active with the Florid Society of Ophthalmology and has testified before the Florida Legislature about Scope of Practice issues threatening patient safety and choice in Florida.
Mollie Lagrew, MD was installed as the Vice President of Advocacy of the FSO at the Annual Business Meeting held at the Masters in Ophthalmology 2025 meeting on Saturday, June 7.
Dr. Lagrew is a comprehensive ophthalmologist and incoming Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Florida. She earned her medical degree with academic honors and completed her ophthalmology residency at the University of Florida, where she served as Chief Resident and received the Society of Teaching Scholars Outstanding Resident Educator Award. During residency, she also served as an Advocacy Ambassador at the AAO Mid-Year Forum and as the Resident Officer for the Equal Access Clinic, providing care to Gainesville’s underserved population. Dr. Lagrew is passionate about medical education, clinical excellence, and healthcare advocacy.
Ron Adelman, MD, MPH, MBA, FARVO was installed as the vice president of education of the FSO at the Annual Business Meeting held at the Masters in Ophthalmology 2025 meeting on Saturday, June 7.
Dr. Adelman is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. He previously served as the Interim Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Adelman has been an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) since 1997 and an advocate for ophthalmology and physician well-being, contributing to numerous committees within AAO, ARVO, ABO, ASRS, ASCRS, the FDA, the Retina Society, the American Ophthalmological Society, and the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Adelman holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from the Yale School of Management, with a focus on leadership in healthcare. His training includes an Ophthalmology Residency, a Retina and Vitreous Fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary of Harvard Medical School, and a Medical Education Fellowship at Yale School of Medicine. He has published extensively on retinal and macular diseases and surgery, with over 160 publications and 300 abstracts. In addition to ophthalmic research, he has investigated medical economics, Medicare reimbursement trends, artificial intelligence, gender disparity in medicine, and physician burn out. Dr. Adelman also serves on the editorial board of the American Journal of Ophthalmology and several other scientific journals.
Basil K. Williams Jr., MD, was installed as the vice president of outreach of FSO at the Annual Business Meeting held at the Masters in Ophthalmology 2025 meeting on Saturday, June 7.
Dr. Williams is the Vice Chair of Inclusive Excellence and an Associate Professor in the department of ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, FL. He was born in St. George’s, Grenada and grew up in the Bronx, NY. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Yale University, then attended The Chicago Medical School. He completed his ophthalmology residency, vitreoretinal surgery fellowship, and chief residency at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute followed by an additional fellowship in ocular oncology at Wills Eye Hospital.
He is the current chair of the ophthalmology section of the National Medical Association and the immediate past president of the Pan-American Ocular Oncology Society. Basil’s research interests pertain to adult and pediatric surface and intraocular tumors, vitreoretinal surgical topics, and healthy equity.
Zubair Ansari, MD was installed as the secretary/treasurer of the FSO at the Annual Business Meeting held at the Masters in Ophthalmology 2024 meeting on Saturday, June 7.
Dr. Ansari is the Director of Medical Outreach and Chair of Ophthalmology Residency Selection Committee at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Bascom Palmer Residency Program.
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