American Academy of Ophthalmology
Member Alert
New Recommendations Regarding Urgent and Nonurgent Patient Care
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Academy of Ophthalmology now finds it essential that all ophthalmologists cease providing any treatment other than urgent or emergent care immediately.
Florida Senate Sees Pediatric Vision Screening a Priority
The Academy is advocating for regular pediatric vision screenings to identify eye issues as an essential benefit in health plans offered through state insurance exchanges. Michael X. Repka, MD, the Academy's medical director for governmental affairs, presented evidence-based recommendations for regular screenings to identify eye issues in children and young adults during a meeting with Department of Health and Human Services officials last week.
Funding for vision research and other Academy-supported programs are included in a $1 trillion federal spending bill that President Obama signed into law this week. Vision research funding at the National Eye Institute is getting a 0.27 percent boost in fiscal year 2012, to $702.7 million. Funding for the Peer-Reviewed Vision Research Program within the Department of Defense, however, will decrease 20 percent this year, to $3.2 million.
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the nation's No.1 ranked eye hospital and part of UHealth,University of Miami Health System, began its golden anniversary year by hosting a global scientific meeting February 2 - 4 in Miami. Nearly 650 ophthalmologists from around the world attended, including 300 Bascom Palmer alumni.
Patients increasingly rely on internet rating sites to find medical providers. The information on these websites is rarely monitored and reviews are often inaccurate. A single negative comment can damage professional reputation and affect practice growth.
Another special FSO member benefit allows you special access to download slides and recordings from the Masters in Ophthalmology 2014 Annual Meeting. You will be prompted to login using your FSO username and password at the top right hand side of the page.
The For Eye Care Foundation will be offering free vision screenings in conjunction with this event from 9am-1pm ET.
