SUMMER 2015

In this issue:

ADVOCACY Page 6 - 12

OUTREACH Page 12

MEMBER CONNECTION Page 8, 14 - 18

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

For my final newsletter article, I need to start with a confession…. I have seen that constant

I have been in practice after completing five action is required of post medical doctor (MD) years of ophthalmology ophthalmologists to training for nearly 20 years. During my residency, fellowship and most of the first decade of my life maintain patient care Rick E. Bendel, MD as an ophthalmologist, I was metaphorically living in a silo. The focus of my silo living was maximizing and safety. my surgical and patient care skills to preserve and restore the vision of the patients whom would obtain care from me. I also allowed the “diffusion , Gus Bilirakis, , and of responsibility” social phenomenon to shelter several of the members of Congress met with our groups personally. What was clear to me during all Comment me from doing my share of the other aspects of maintaining my profession. Now, after becoming our meetings is how overwhelming the demands of ON THE fully involved in the other processes of maintaining all special needs and interests of the United States WEB: my profession, I have seen that constant action is are to our national legislators. Also clear during our required of ophthalmologists to maintain patient meetings is that our national policy makers truly To discuss this care and safety. Most of our educational actions want to do what is best for their constituents. Thus, article go to with policy makers do not have a visible effect, but ophthalmologists’ participation in the legislative www.mdeye.org inaction results in steady erosion of our professional advocacy process is critical. Our requests may and look and patient care standards. My participation in never reach any degree of action, but the fact for Topics/ the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) the legislators have been educated about the vital President’s Congressional Advocacy Day at this year’s Mid-Year work of ophthalmologists is extremely important. Report Summer Forum in Washington, DC, demonstrated to me Nothing is more dangerous than inaction. A mantra 2015. the importance and need for the legislative policy of our group and many other lobbying groups is “if makers to receive constant education regarding the you don’t come and sit at the table to discuss what practice of medicine. is important, you end up getting eaten.” The fact that so many ophthalmologists and residents were I am happy to report that was well “at the table” discussing issues, is a step in the represented by a group of ophthalmologists, right direction of our main goal of protecting our including five ophthalmology residents that the FSO patients. On our visits around Capitol Hill, we had sponsored, at this year’s Congressional Advocacy Day the opportunity to extend our thanks and gratitude on Thursday, April 16. During our visits on Capitol for their efforts in ending (finally) Medicare’s Hill, we met with the staff of Senators and , Congress members , Continues on the next page...

THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 | PAGE 1 president’s message continued from page 1...

Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) to our legislators who supported its repeal. We met with Representative Vern Buchanan and presented him an award for his personal efforts in protecting access to eyelid and eyebrow surgery.

Other great news from our trip to DC was that the AAO honored the FSO with the Platinum Award for our leadership with the Advocacy Ambassador Program. The FSO received this prestigious award because of our efforts and support in getting Florida ophthalmology residents involved in the “outside the silo” activities of our profession. The five residents that attended this year’s Congressional Advocacy Day added great energy to the process of meeting with our national legislators and left realizing the importance of this aspect of their professional life. In fact, several of the Congressmen commented on how great it was to see the young ophthalmology members being active in DC. I personally place great value on the ophthalmology Representative Vern Buchanan and FSO members after he residents who are involved in protecting our profession. It took receives award for his efforts in protecting access to eyelid and me a lot longer to get involved always hoping someone else eyebrow surgery. would protect my patients and profession. Now I realize it is my responsibility, as it is all of ours.

PAGE 2 | THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 | PAGE 3 MASTERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2015 SOCIAL EVENTS

Welcome Reception with Exhibitors* Friday, June 26 | 6:15–7:45 PM *Adult Guest Join your fellow colleagues and the exhibitors for an opening Ticket-$80/guest reception on Friday evening in the exhibit hall. Wines will be Includes admission to the available for tasting as well as hors d’oeuvres and a chance to visit exhibit hall on Friday and with over 50 exhibiting companies. Saturday, and admission to the *This reception is included in the attendee registration fee. Saturday evening reception. *Children’s Guest Leadership Luncheon Ticket-$40/guest Saturday, June 27 | 12:20-1:30 PM Includes admission to the exhibit hall on Friday and Location: Mediterranean Ballroom Saturday, and admission The Leadership Luncheon has been organized by the Florida Society to the Saturday evening of Ophthalmology (FSO) and designed to update FSO members reception. (Children ages on current events and politics related specifically to the state of 0-18 will require a badge to Florida. The luncheon is included in the meeting registration for access the exhibit hall and members; however all attendees and guests are welcome to attend. Saturday evening reception.) FSO members must RSVP when registering for the meeting. Tickets for non-members and guests are $100/person and may be purchased To purchase adult and when registering for the meeting. All proceeds go to the FSO Political children guest tickets visit Committee, FOCUS. www.ophmasters.com

Exhibitor Dessert Reception* Saturday, June 27 | 1:35-2:15 PM Conclude your lunch the right way…with dessert! Join our exhibitors in the Exhibit Hall for your final opportunity to learn about their company and products while enjoying a delicious dessert reception. An array of sweet delights will surely please the palate. The exhibitor passport drawing will take place at the end of the dessert reception.

Saturday Evening Beach Club Reception* Saturday, June 27 | 6:30–7:30 PM Location: The Breakers Beach Club After the program concludes on Saturday, join your fellow friends and colleagues for a cocktail reception at the Breakers Beach Club. Take a breather, enjoy the ocean breeze, drinks and lite bites by the pool. This reception is included in the attendee registration fee, but you MUST RSVP to attend this event.

PAGE 4 | THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 MASTERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2015 HOTEL AMENITIES

The Breakers Golf Courses With two championship courses, The Breakers is the destination of choice for avid golfers, as well as vacationers who enjoy the game. Call the pro shop at (561) 659-8440 and mention you are part of the Masters in Ophthalmology group. Green fees are reduced at 50% off the published 2015 rates or prevailing summer specials (whichever is less).

Tennis The Breakers tennis facility offers guests 10 beautifully groomed Har-Tru courts, a comprehensive pro shop with the latest fashions and equipment, USPTA/USPTR certified professional instruction, clinics, and private court time. For reservations or information on court times, rates, and lessons, please call (561) 659-8407.

The Spa at the Breakers The Spa at the Breakers brings you oceans of calming possibilities. Relax, rejuvenate, and reawaken your senses. To schedule an appointment or for information on services or rates, call (561) 653-6656.

Family Activities The Family Entertainment Center is equipped with an arcade, camp room toddlers’ playroom, video games, outdoor sports court, and playground. Here, guests may also reserve tours, bicycle rentals, childcare services, and more.

THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 | PAGE 5 ADVOCACY Legislative Update

For the first time, the adjourned Senate Bill 532 by Grimsley sine die in a historic way. Due to a bitter impasse ARNP PRESCRIBING AUTHORITY Amy J. Young, between House Republicans and the Senate over General Health Care Services; Directing the Legislative Medicaid expansion, the House packed up their bags Department of Veterans’ Affairs to contract for Consultant and went home, three days before the official May a study to determine the need and location for 1st adjournment. This was an unprecedented and additional state veterans’ nursing homes; revising historic end to a contentious session. As a result of the authority of a licensed physician assistant to the surprise shut-down, every piece of legislation COMMENT order medication under the direction of a supervisory relating to health care failed with the exception ON THE physician for a specified patient; specifying that a of passage of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology WEB: direct primary care agreement does not constitute (FSO) Resolution calling for August 2015 to be insurance and is not subject to the Florida Insurance designated as Amblyopia Awareness Month. The Code; authorizing a licensed practitioner to authorize To discuss this FSO public relations team will be working with a licensed physician assistant or advanced registered article go to FSO leadership and other affiliated organizations nurse practitioner to order controlled substances for www.mdeye. to establish an effective educational campaign a specified patient under certain circumstances, etc. org and look promoting preschool vision screenings leading up Effective Date: 7/1/2015 for Topics/ to the beginning of the school year in August 2015. Advocacy. (See Senate Resolution (SR) 844 for full text of the resolution). We worked hard on many issues over House Bill 281 by Pigman the last six months including prohibition against ARNP PRESCRIBING AUTHORITY balance billing, prohibition on retroactive denials, General Drug Prescription by Advanced Registered step therapy provisions, telemedicine and many Nurse Practitioners & Physician Assistants: Expands others. A Special Session has now been called to categories of persons who may prescribe brand drugs deal with the failed budget negotiations and other under prescription drug program when medically related matters convening on June 1st and tentative necessary; exempts controlled substances prescribed adjournment on June 20th. by ARNP or physician assistant from disqualifications for certification or licensure as deputy or state More specifically, these are the bills that ALL failed pilot; applies certain existing penalties to ARNP; to pass, with the exception of SR 844, that the requires advanced registered nurse practitioners FSO worked on throughout Session. Stay tuned for & physician assistants who prescribe controlled activity when we are back in Session this June! substances to make certain designation, comply with registration requirements, & follow specified Senate Bill 478 by Bean standards of practice; redefines term “practitioner” TELEHEALTH to include ARNPs & physician assistants under Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention & Control Act. General Telehealth; Providing certain practice Effective Date: 7/1/2015 standards for telehealth providers; authorizing telehealth providers to use telehealth to prescribe Senate Bill 614 by Grimsley controlled substances, with an exception; prohibiting the use of telehealth or specified computer- ARNP – APRN AUTHORIZATION controlled devices to prescribe optical devices, etc. General Health Care; Expanding the categories Effective Date: 7/1/2015 of persons who may prescribe brand drugs under the prescription drug program when medically House Bill 545 by Cummings necessary; exempting controlled substances TELEHEALTH prescribed by an advanced registered nurse practitioner or a physician assistant from the General Telehealth: Defines “telehealth” & disqualifications for certification or licensure, and “telehealth provider”; provides for certain for continued certification or licensure, as a deputy practice standards for telehealth providers; pilot or state pilot; applying existing penalties for authorizes telehealth providers to use telehealth to violations relating to the prescribing or dispensing prescribe certain controlled substances; provides of controlled substances to an advanced registered recordkeeping requirements & standards; excludes nurse practitioner, etc. Effective Date: Except as telehealth products from definition of “discount medical plan”. Effective Date: 7/1/2015 Continues on the next page...

PAGE 6 | THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE continued from page 6... otherwise expressly provided in this act, this act shall take Senate Bill 856 by Latvala effect upon becoming a law VISION INSURANCE General Vision Care Plans; Providing that a health insurer, House Bill 547 by Pigman a prepaid limited health service organization, and a health ARNP – APRN AUTHORIZATION maintenance organization, respectively, may not require a General Scope of Practice of Advanced Registered Practice licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist to join a network solely Nurses & Physician Assistants: Redesignates ARNPs as Advanced for the purpose of credentialing the licensee for another vision Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs); provides for independent network; providing that such insurers and organizations are not APRNs (IAPRNs) to practice advanced or specialized nursing; prevented by the act from entering into a contract with another exempts IAPRNs & physician assistants (PAs) from requirement vision care plan; providing that such insurers and organizations that certain medical acts be supervised by physician; revises may not restrict or limit a licensed ophthalmologist, APRN certification requirements; authorizes APRNs & PAs to optometrist, or optician to specific suppliers of materials or administer, dispense, & prescribe medicinal drugs pursuant to optical laboratories, etc. Effective Date: 7/1/2015 protocol; provides for registration of IAPRNs who meet certain requirements; specifies acts that IAPRNs & physician assistants are House Bill 769 by Peters authorized to perform without physician supervision or protocol; VISION INSURANCE provides for eligibility of IAPRNs for clinical privileges; requires General Health Provider Contracts: Prohibits insurer, prepaid IAPRNs to maintain medical malpractice insurance or provide limited health service organization, & HMO, & third-party proof of financial responsibility. Effective Date: 7/1/2015 administrator thereof, from requiring licensed ophthalmologist & optometrist to provide vision care services under specified Senate Bill 1518 by Garcia circumstances; prohibits such entities, & third-party CHILDREN’S EYE HEALTH administrators thereof, from requiring licensed ophthalmologist, General Public Health Notices Regarding Children’s Eye Health; optometrist, & optician to purchase certain materials & Requiring the Department of Health and the Department services; specifies that violation of section constitutes specified of Children and Families to post a certain notice on their unfair insurance trade practice & unfair or deceptive act or respective websites, etc. Effective Date: 7/1/2015 Continues on the next page...

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THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 | PAGE 7 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE continued from page 7... practice subject to specified civil & administrative actions. as “Amblyopia Awareness Month” in Florida, etc. Effective Date: 7/1/2015

Senate Bill 1400 by Lee CONTACT LENS PRICING General Contact Lens Pricing Practices; Prohibiting certain acts by manufacturers of prescription contact lenses relating to the retail sale, advertising, pricing, and distribution of contact lenses; prohibiting the use of a contact lens distributor for certain purposes; providing for enforcement under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, etc. Effective Date: 7/1/2015

House Bill 1119 by Eisnaugle CONTACT LENS PRICING General Contact Lens Pricing Practices: Prohibits certain acts by manufacturers of prescription contact lenses relating to retail sale, advertising, pricing, & distribution of contact lenses; prohibits use of contact lens distributor for certain purposes; provides for enforcement under Florida Deceptive & Unfair Trade Practices Act. Effective Date: 7/1/2015

Senate Resolution 844 by Grimsley AMBYLIOPIA AWARENESS MONTH Resolution Amblyopia Awareness Month; Recognizing August 2015

FSO Receives AAO’s Platinum Participation Award

The Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) was one of two societies to receive the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s (AAO) 2015 Platinum Participation Award on Thursday April 16, 2015 at the AAO 2015 Mid-Year Forum for our efforts in supporting the Advocacy Ambassador Program. The AAO honored the FSO for helping bring young ophthalmologists to the annual spring event in Washington, D.C.

Through the Advocacy Ambassador Program, ophthalmology societies, training programs and the Academy collaborate to bring residents and fellows to the Mid-Year Forum and Congressional Advocacy Day. This year, the FSO sponsored five residents to travel to Washington, D.C. to meet national legislators.

PAGE 8 | THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 ADVOCACY Congressman Patrick Murphy: Keynote Speaker for FSO Leadership Luncheon Congressman today, including the repeal of the finance, and went on to work as a Patrick Murphy sustainable growth rate (SGR), Medicare Certified Public Accountant (CPA) will be the related regulations, and providing care before being elected to the United keynote speaker for Florida’s aging population. States House of Representatives. at the Leadership Luncheon that Congressman Murphy represents To register for the meeting visit: will be held on Florida’s 18th Congressional district, www.ophmasters.com. The luncheon Saturday, June which includes northern Palm Beach, is included in the meeting registration 27 in conjunction Martin, and St. Lucie counties. fee for all FSO members. Non-members with the Master’s in Ophthalmology Congressman Murphy was born and are welcome to attend for a fee of 2015 meeting. The Congressman will be raised in Florida. He earned his B.S. $100/person. speaking about important healthcare in business administration, graduating issues facing physicians and patients with dual degrees in accounting and

MEMBER CONNECTION FSO Thanks the Supporters of the 2015 Masters in Ophthalmology

The FSO would like to extend a special thank you to all of the exhibitors and supporters who Oasis Medical will be joining us for the Masters in Ophthalmology 2015 meeting at The Breakers in Palm Omeros Corporation Beach, June 26-28. It is not too late to register if you are interested in attending. Go to the Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company official Masters in Ophthalmology 2015 website atwww.ophmasters.com to register today! Ophthalmology Dispensing Service Optos Optovue, Inc. Commercial Supporters EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems, Inc. Florida Ocular Prosthetics, Inc. Parallax Medical Systems, LLC (as of May 2015) For Eye Care Foundation, Inc. Pharm-EZ Medical, LLC Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Fortec Medical PRN-Physician Recommended Bausch + Lomb Genentech, Inc. Nutraceuticals Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company Glaukos Corporation Quantel Medical Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Heidelberg Engineering, Inc. Rayner Intraocular Lenses, Ltd. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Exhibitors Impact MD International Sight Restoration, Inc. ScienceBased Health (as of May 2015) Iridex Corporation TearScience Abbott Medical Optics JCAHPO Top Con Medical Systems, Inc. Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Allergan Research Sponsors Alimera Sciences Inc. Lumenis Inc. (as of May 2015) Akorn, Inc. Marco Ophthalmic Allergan, Inc. APS Pharmacy Mayo Clinic Referring Physician Office Ellex, Inc. Bausch + Lomb Microsurgical Technologies EyeMD EMR Healthcare Bio-Tissue, Inc. Modernizing Medicine, Inc. Fortec Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. Neomedix Corporation Genentech, Inc. Danna-Gracey Inc. New World Medical, Inc. Neomedix Diopsys, Inc. Notal Vision Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company Ellex, Inc. Nova Bay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Optovue, Inc.

THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 | PAGE 9 MEMBER CONNECTION Make Sure Your Contact Information is Up-to-Date for the 2015-2016 Membership Directory

The annual FSO membership directory will be made available to Only FSO members that are in good , will receive members after the Masters in Ophthalmology 2015 meeting. Please access to the annual membership directory. If you have not take a moment to verify that your contact information that will yet paid your 2015 annual membership dues, please do so as be listed in the directory is current. You can view your information soon as possible. You can easily pay online at online at: https://www.mdeye.org/patients. If you need to update https://www.mdeye.org/dues. any of your contact information, please email the FSO Membership Manager, Britney Caldwell, at [email protected].

AAO Advocacy Ambassador Day Omar Shakir, MD, 2nd Year Resident, Department of Ophthalmology

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has a beautiful tradition of engaging resident physicians to participate in advocacy on Capitol Hill. Thanks to the sponsorship of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO), residents from Florida ophthalmology programs, like myself, can have that opportunity. I would say it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, except that now I envision this experience as the beginning of a lifetime of advocacy for me.

As a student of the sciences in college, medical school and residency, I have focused on skills built upon the scientific method. This is the major tool we are given to take care of our patients. The real value of formal advocacy, such as the AAO Advocacy Ambassador Day, is a momentary detachment from the clinical setting. In doing so, one gains a greater insight into what we really want as ophthalmologists, which is the best care FSO delegation at the Hill in DC on Thursday, April 16, 2015. possible for our patients. 400 ophthalmologists and over 150 residents and fellows, added Those goals are simple, yet centric to our professional lives. We to the emphatic message that being a physician is synonymous work hard at maximizing these goals by continuing education, with patient advocacy. scientific conferences, reading journals and magazines (EyeNet of course). But little attention is paid to the entire process of Going forward, I plan to expand my role as an ophthalmologist delivering great care. At least for me, that was the case. in the community. While that may not include being a senator and still performing cataract surgeries during a recess (thank The Advocacy Ambassador Day provided the perfect backdrop you Senator Rand Paul, MD for raising the bar), it certainly and for me to realize that my vocation requires (ad)vocation. If realistically can involve political involvement in my practice. As I truly care for my patients, then issues like access to care, all good politics does, I think it starts at the most local level. government research funding, truth/transparency in advertising, Once again, I thank the Florida Society of Ophthalmology for etc., should all matter to me as much as clinical guidelines. always making residents a priority. We pledge to pay it forward The mentorship of Janet Betchkal, MD and Rick Bendel, MD was by making a difference in every way we can with participation invaluable in appreciating this reality. Speakers like Russ Van and giving back continually. Gelder, MD and Paul Sternberg, Jr., MD, and the participation of

PAGE 10 | THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 advertisement

THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 | PAGE 11 ADVOCACY CMS BLOG By Shantanu Agrawal, M.D., CMS deputy administrator for program integrity

Open Payments: Data review and dispute underway for CMS acknowledges the benefits of collaboration among physicians – log in today physicians, teaching hospitals and drug and device manufacturers in the design and delivery of many life-saving In its second year, the Open Payments program continues to drugs and devices. Open Payments has given patients a tool to promote transparency and accountability in health care by become more involved and informed health care consumers by providing consumers with information about financial relationships discussing these relationships with their physicians. between drug and medical device manufacturers and physicians and teaching hospitals. The data posted has been viewed nearly 6 Last year, 26,000 physicians registered in the system and lodged million times and we’re pleased with the continuing engagement over 12,500 disputes. In contrast, we published information of stakeholders on this important transparency initiative. about 4.45 million payments made to at least 366,000 physicians or teaching hospitals that were valued at $3.7 billion. I All data for payments made in 2014 has been submitted by the expect that the data reported this year will be on scale with drug and medical device manufacturers who are reporting the the number and value of payments reported last year. For information. CMS is encouraging physicians and representatives of physicians, the only way for each of you to confirm that the teaching hospitals to register in Open Payments now. Instructions and data reported about you is correct is to register and review your quick tips for registration are available at: http://www.cms.gov/ payments before the review period ends. OpenPayments/Program-Participants/Physicians-and-Teaching- Hospitals/Registration.html While companies that are submitting To learn more about the program, visit payment records to CMS attest to the accuracy of the data, the cms.gov/openpayments today. Follow the CMS blog at: continued success of the program relies on voluntary participation http://blog.cms.gov/2015/04/24/open-payments-data-review- by physicians and teaching hospitals. This is the only opportunity and-dispute-underway-for-physicians-log-in-today/ for doctors and teaching hospitals to review the data submitted by manufacturers and group purchasing organizations (GPOs) before it is included in the public database on June 30, 2015. advertisement

OUTREACH Sees Pediatric Vision Screening a Priority

On Wednesday, April 1, at the urging of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) and other health organizations, the Florida Senate designated August 2015 as “Amblyopia Awareness Month” to educate Florida parents on the importance of vision screening at an early age. The resolution was sponsored by Senator Denise Grimsley (R-Sebring) and passed the Senate unanimously.

The FSO public relations team will be launching a public relations campaign to promote to parents the importance of pediatric vision screenings during the ages of 3-5 years old.

If you are interested in hosting a screening event in your area or if you are interested in getting involved in this project, please contact the FSO office at 904-998-0819. See page 9 to read the resolution.

PAGE 12 | THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 advertisement

THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 | PAGE 13 MEMBER CONNECTION FSO 2015-2016 Nominating Committee Recommendations

The FSO Nominating Committee, chaired by Rick Bendel, MD, Advocacy recommends the following slate of officer and At-Large member Legislative Chair: Mark Michels, MD (1-year) positions for the 2015-2016 term. The membership will vote ethics Chair: Lisa Gamell, MD (2-year) on this slate during the Annual Business Meeting to be held FMA Delegates: Bradley Fouraker, MD (1-year) on Saturday, June 27, 2015 in conjunction with the Masters in James Rowsey, MD (1-year) Ophthalmology 2015 Annual Meeting. Darby Miller, MD (1-year) FMA SSS Rep: Krishna Kishor, MD (2-year) President-Elect: Adam Katz, MD At-Large Member: Janet Betchkal, MD (3-year) Vice President of Advocacy: Krishna Kishor, MD At-Large Member: Brian Madow, MD (1-year) Vice President of Education: David Eichenbaum, MD Vice President of Outreach: Stacey Kruger, MD Education Secretary-Treasurer: Darby Miller, MD Annual Meeting Program Chair: Clifford Salinger, MD (2-year) Outreach Note: Brad Oren, MD will assume the position of President, Third Party Chair: Neal Freeman, MD (3-year) Rick Bendel, MD, will assume the position of Immediate Past- For Eye Care Foundation Chair: David Cano, MD (2-year) President along with Jaime Membreno, MD. Membership/Regional Rep Chair: William Mallon, MD (2-year) Public Relations Chair: Jasmine Mohadjer, MD (3-year) events

Friday, June 26, 2015 August 6-9, 2015 Masters in Ophthalmology 2015 2015 Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium Coding and Reimbursement Update 2015 Montelucia Omni Resort & Spa The Breakers Scottsdale, AZ Palm Beach, FL www.wioonline.org/index.php/meetings/2015-summer- www.ophmasters.com symposium

June 26-June 28, 2015 October 2-4, 2015 Florida Society of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting Maine Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Masters in Ophthalmology 2015 14th Annual Downeast Ophthalmology Symposium The Breakers Harborside Hotel & Marina Palm Beach, FL Bar Harbor, ME www.ophmasters.com www.maineeyemds.com/meetings/24-meetings/27-dos

November 14-17, 2015 AAO Annual Meeting 2015 Recognized Regional Society Sands Expo/Venetian Thursday, July 16, 2015 Las Vegas, NV Palm Beach County Ophthalmology Society http://aao.org/annual-meeting Location TBD www.pbcos.org Be on the lookout for more July 31-August 2, 2015 Florida Medical Association 2015 Annual Meeting regional society events in Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club your area! More information Orlando, FL here: www.mdeye.org/ www.celebratemedicine.com/events community/events

PAGE 14 | THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 advertisement

THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 | PAGE 15 MEMBER CONNECTION Recruit New FSO Members and Save $100 or more on Your Annual Dues!

As a Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) member, you How It Works… it’s simple already know the value that membership brings to you, your Contact your fellow ophthalmologists whom you may know career and your patients. From top-notch educational programs or are located in your area. We can assist you with contact to legislative advocacy in Florida’s capitol, membership in information if needed. Share with them the benefits of FSO the FSO provides you with access to lifelong learning and membership and encourage them to join to help further the professional integrity in order to provide the best possible profession and strengthen their own career development. If they patient care. choose to join, simply have them fill out an online application at https://www.mdeye.org/join and where it says “Recommending As a member, you are the best advocate we have to recruit new Member” have them fill in your name and we will take care of FSO members. With nearly 1,400 board-certified ophthalmologists the rest! Also, please remind prospective members that if they in Florida, there is a lot of room for growth in our society. As you join before the annual meeting in June, they can attend the know…there is strength in numbers. When more ophthalmologists Masters in Ophthalmology 2015 scientific sessions FREE! come together and speak with a unified voice, we can achieve great things, both on a state and national level. If you have questions regarding the recruit a member program, please contact FSO Membership Manager, Britney Caldwell, at In order to help recruitment efforts, we are offering a $100 [email protected]. discount to you on your FSO annual membership dues for every new member that joins based on YOUR referral. Recruiting a few new members could bring significant savings to you on the value that FSO membership brings.

Stay Connected with Your FSO The Florida Society of Ophthalmology communicates with our members by land mail, fax, our website, and social media. However, for getting important information in front of you quickly, nothing beats good old email. In today’s noisy internet environment, filled with SPAM and other unwanted conversations, we might be getting lost in your Inbox, or you may even have accidentally unsubscribed yourself, in your hurry to get rid of the clutter. Please take a moment to check your email settings. Make sure @mdeye.org is added to your email whitelist or allowed senders lists. Check your SPAM folders regularly to insure you are not missing anything and if you find us there, be sure to click the “Not SPAM” or “Allow Sender” options.

And if you don’t see us in any of those places, either because you’ve previously unsubscribed or we don’t have your email address, please visit www.mdeye.org/subscribe to sign up.

www.facebook.com/FloridaOphthalmology @EyeOnFL

PAGE 16 | THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 MEMBER CONNECTION FSO Member Discount Benefit Programs ADP TotalSource - 15% Discount In an arrangement between the Florida Society of Ophthalmology and ADP TotalSource, FSO members utilizing ADP will be provided with the freedom of outsourced human resources. Each FSO member new to utilizing ADP 15% Discount services will receive a 15% reduction from the standard administrative fees for the initial term of their services agreement. Additionally, for each full-time employee enrolled in ADP’s services, FSO receives between $50.00 and $100.00 annually. LifeLock - 20% Discount LifeLock is a comprehensive identity theft protection company that protects against more than just credit 20% Discount fraud. Their advanced protection system has broader coverage for both credit and non-credit-related identity threats. FSO members will receive a 20% discount on identity theft protection services with LifeLock. To enroll, visit www.lifelock.com, click Enroll Now, in PromoCode Section, change PromoCode to FSOFLA20, then click APPLY. Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Group (OMIC) - Up to 10% Discount OMIC insured’s can earn a risk management premium discount by registering for the annual FSO meeting and Up to 10% Discount attending this cosponsored program. Participants must also turn in an attendance form at the OMIC seminar along with their email address. Participants no longer have to complete the online part after the meeting as OMIC has concluded that they can contact them to survey and determine the effectiveness of the risk management education. OMIC insured’s who are current FSO members can receive a 10% discount for attending live OMIC course at the Masters in Ophthalmology meeting. Non-FSO members earn a 5% discount. These insurance premium discounts are applied upon renewal with OMIC. For further information call (800) 562-6642.

New FSO Member Benefit – EyeVision

The Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) recently specific library of videos and materials that can be partnered with WellView365, to offer our members used to create an individualized play list. There an exclusive new benefit-EyeVision. Currently, only are no upfront or recurring monthly charges for a handful of FSO members are taking advantage of FSO members interested in taking advantage of this this great, new benefit. EyeVision is a unique system benefit. Unlike other TV systems, EyeVision has no that allows ophthalmologists to transform their pre-set screen format or loop programming so all patient waiting room into an engaging, educational content shown is approved and most importantly atmosphere, designed to enhance your practice. relevant to your patient audience. EyeVision does not repeat over and over. Content can be created With the EyeVision system, FSO members to have and/or upload and modified using point and click access to a simple, FREE, viewing system, where Cloud-based software. Specific information can be they can have complete control over the content scheduled to play on the screen during different shown on their waiting room TV screens. FSO hours of the day, or days of the week. members will be provided with an LED flat screen TV (up to 50”) that will be installed in their offices If you are interested in this opportunity, please free of charge. FSO members will also get the contact Britney Caldwell, FSO Membership small technology box installed behind the TV and Manager at [email protected], to get an will have access to webinar training, live and email enrollment form. support, as well as access to an ophthalmology-

THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 | PAGE 17 MEMBER CONNECTION FSO 2015 Membership Dues

By now, all Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) members opportunities, and assist with Outreach throughout the state of should have received their annual membership renewal Florida. Please take a moment and renew your dues TODAY! You forms in the mail. Membership in the FSO runs from January can pay via mail, fax or easily online (recommended) at www. 1 – December 31 and dues are $850. Dues should be paid mdeye.org/dues. If you have questions regarding this, please by January 31 in order to remain a current and active reach out to FSO Membership Manager, Britney Caldwell, at member. Your membership dues allow the FSO to remain a [email protected]. strong Advocate on your behalf, provide excellent Education

Stay Active to Retain Your Great Member Benefits:

• Professional Development • Discounts on programs that benefit your practice: • Discounted Masters in Ophthalmology meeting registration • ADP TotalSource - human resource services • Advocacy in Tallahassee through FOCUS to protect the • Holland and Knight - legal services profession of ophthalmology and patients in Florida • OMIC - medical malpractice insurance • Advocacy on reimbursement policy issues • EyeVision - FREE state of the art TV system for your • Annual membership directory waiting room • Subscription to the quarterly newsletter – The Florida Ophthalmologist

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PAGE 18 | THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 Contribution Pledge Card

The number one goal of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) is to protect our patients and our profession. We have established programs that enable the FSO leadership to educate the Florida Legislature on major issues affecting our profession and to help deter legislative encroachment by unqualified personnel. FOCUS is the FSO political committee (PC). In order to be successful in our legislative efforts, FOCUS needs support by way of financial contributions. If we are not working to elect candidates who are friendly to the profession of ophthalmology, someone else will support candidates who may not be interested in protecting the integrity of our medical license.

Please consider making a one-time donation or sign up for an automatic monthly deduction on your credit card. All contributions to FOCUS are used to further the legislative agenda of the FSO. Please complete the form below to make your contribution today. Without support from the PC, the ophthalmology profession is at risk in Florida.

Co n t a c t In f o r m a t i o n

First ______Last ______Degree ______

Address______

State______Zip______Country ______

Phone______Fax

Occupation ______Email ______

On e -Ti m e Co n t r i b u t i o n Am o u n t

 $365 ($1/day)  $500  $1,000  Other $______

Mo n t h l y Co n t r i b u t i o n Am o u n t *

 $84/month for 12 months  $167/month for 12 months  Other monthly amount $ ______/month

*You will be contacted regarding a monthly renewal.

Payment Information

 Visa  MasterCard  AMEX  Check (Please make checks payable to: FOCUS)

Name on Card ______

Card Number ______Exp. Date______

Security Code ______

Refund Policy: Contributions made to FOCUS are non-refundable. Every member of the FSO is encouraged to make a contribution to FOCUS each year to solidify and strengthen our overall political strategy. Contributions are voluntary. A contribution at any level is welcome. Contributions to PCs are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015 | PAGE 19 Florida Society of Ophthalmology PRST. STANDARD 6816 Southpoint Parkway, Suite 1000 U.S. Postage P A I D Jacksonville, FL 32216 Tallahassee, FL Permit # 801

PAGE 20 | THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - SUMMER 2015