2006 FSO ANNUAL MEETING REPORT INSIDE

WINTER 2006

PRESIDENT'S REPORT FSO’s 40th Year: Looking to the Future, Building on the Past By Mayssa Toppino, M.D. FSO President It is an honor to be elected your new FSO president. The Society of Ophthal- mology is an organization that we can all celebrate. The FSO has set national standards in a wide variety of areas to protect patients and promote high quality education and training Mayssa Toppino for ophthalmologists. M.D. 2007 will be the 40th anniversary of the founding of the FSO and it’s a good time to reflect on our profession, look at our accomplishments and look forward to the future. Pediatric Screening Florida has always been nationally recognized for its leader- ship beginning in 1967 when the FSO was first organized. Early CD Being Distributed on, Florida was a recognized as a center for excellence in eye care. Its first chairman was an active participant in the FSO. To Florida Physicians The Florida Society of Ophthalmology has always pro- moted the highest standards of ethical care---standards The Vision Is Priceless Council and recognized throughout the medical profession. Nemours have collaborated on the creation of an interactive CD, Pediatric From the ranks of FSO, we have had several presidents Vision Screening, which teaches practi- of the American Academy of cal techniques for screening children Ophthalmology, the larg- ages birth to five years. This CD is est medical specialty group Plan now for being distributed at no charge to all in the world. Among those the FSO 2007 pediatricians and family physicians are Dr. Mike Redmond of in the state of Florida. Pensacola, a pediatric oph- Annual Meeting thalmologist and Dr. Mel Children’s eye conditions may June 22-24 2007 Rubin of Gainesville ---who result in blindness, or in the case of is each year honored with retinoblastoma, even death. However, Book your hotel NOW at the FSO’s Mel Rubin lecture with early detection, many children’s the NEW Rosen Shingle presented by a world class eye conditions may be successfully Creek Hotel ophthalmologist who has treated. Retinoblastoma, congenital FSO's Dr. Mike Orlando, Florida worked with Dr, Rubin. cataracts, amblyopia and strabismus Stewart (top) and Ask for the FSO room Dr. Robert Hered are detectable and treatable. Yet, As your FSO president, rate of $179.00/night. helped make the I will work hard to build See Page 4! See Screening on page 6 CD a reality continued on page 3

The Florida Ophthalmologist - Winter 2006 - 1 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Florida Still Strong GOP State, and Medicine Benefits

By Steve Hull temic drug privileges without having FSO Lobbyist and Public Relations medical training The decisive win by Republican For physicians in the state, Mr. Crist’s Charlie Crist is a positive omen for the appointments to the variety of boards Republican party of Florida and the that oversee patient care, especially the profession of medicine since Governor- Board of Medicine, will be sensitive and elect Crist is the son of a still practicing I believe we can depend on governor physician and has always had a positive elect Crist to provide the best trained record of supporting medical issues. personnel for the important positions of Through the hard work of our Leg- Secretary of the Department of Health islative Committee chair Dr. Alan Men- and the Agency for Health Care Ad- delsohn, the FSO was the first medical ministration. group in the state to support the Crist And not only is medicine and oph- candidacy. We worked hard to get all thalmology in excellent position with of medicine behind Crist in the primary the governors office, the new senate against his opponent, Chief Financial president Republican Ken Pruitt has Officer Tom Gallagher. Governor-Elect Charlie Crist been a long time friend of ophthalmol- What does it mean to have some ogy and our profession. We can also one in the governor’s office who un- viders that have no training as medical depend on new speaker derstands the complicated world of doctors, no internship or no residency to understand the great contributions medicine? experience. that medical doctors and especially First, it means Charlie Crist will make Governor Crist will know the dif- ophthalmologists have provided the providing the best professional health ference between the care given by an citizens of Florida. care possible to the people of Florida a optometrist and ophthalmologist and Florida bucked the national trend top priority. That means making sure spread that word far and wide: Oph- of Democratic leaders taking over the that health care providers meet the high- thalmologists are medically trained powerful positions of government. est standard of care assuring patients and provide the best eye care possible, It is important that all physicians- have the best and most well prepared including surgery requiring tens of -- especially eye MDs--- continue to doctors possible. thousands of patient contacts. demand that their elected official place It means that the governor’s office Ophthalmology, is in a constant quality health care as priority number will understand the difference between battle across the nation with optom- one. a physician and other health care pro- etrists trying to get surgical and sys- When that happens we all benefit.

~ New Legislators ~

2006 Freshman Senators James Frishe (R) St. Petersburg Scott Randolph (D) Orlando Ted Deutch (D) Delray Beach Luis Garcia (D) Hialeah Betty Reed (D) Tampa Don Gaetz (R) Destin Joe Gibbons (D) Hallandale Beach Garrett Richter (R) Naples Arthenia Joyner (D) Tampa Eddy Gonzalez (R) Hialeah Maria Sachs (D) Delray Beach Charlie Justice(D) St. Petersburg Bill Heller (D) St. Petersburg Ron Saunders (D) Key West Steve Oelrich (R) Gainesville Doug Holder (R) Sarasota Robert Schenck (R) Spring Hill Jeremy Ring (D) Tamarac Eddy Hooper (R) Clearwater Elaine Schwartz (D) Hollywood Ronda Storms(R) Brandon (D) Dania Beach Michael Scionti (D) Tampa Martin Kiar (D) Davie (D) Boca Raton 2006 Freshman Rick Kriseman (D) St. Petersburg William Snyder (R) Stuart Representatives Janet Long (D) Seminole (D) Stuart Gary Aubuchon (R) Cape Coral Seth McKeel (R) Lakeland Nick Thompson (R) Fort Myers Debbie Boyd (D) Newberry Peter Nehr (R) Tarpon Springs Perry Thurston (D) Ft. Lauderdale Ronald Brise (D) Miami Bryan Nelson (R) Apopka Jim Waldman (D) Coconut Creek Charles Chestnut (D) Gainesville Jimmy T. Patronis (R) Panama City Will Weatherford (R) Zephyrhills Keith Fitzgerald (D) Sarasota Steve Precourt (R) Orlando

2 The Florida Ophthalmologist - Winter 2006 MANAGING YOUR PRACTICE Coverage for Specialist on Emergency Room Call A growing concern of many physicians and hospitals, especially in South Florida, is the exposure many specialist face while handling Emergency Room call. Many high-risk specialists are refusing to treat patients in the Emergency Room. Physicians are generally unaware that ER call exposure is included in the rates at FPIC and likely with other carriers as well. When rates are developed, there is consideration for the typical emergency room call exposure to risk. Since it is impossible to truly measure actuarially how much of the rate by percentage is a reflection of ER claims pressure, it is impossible for a carrier to offer discounting off of the rates if a doc refuses to do ER. Traditionally, all physicians will have to offer some ER call, particularly if they intend to maintain admitting privileges. One way hospitals are dealing with the lack of specialist in the ER is to form a captive insurance company. The captive is being formed to initially only cover the exposure in the emergency room, but ultimately the captive will also cover the primary professional liability exposure, therefore eliminating the need for traditional insurers. The captive will be created as a single cell arrangement for each hospital involved. To the hospitals this is an attractive option because, they are all ready paying exorbitant premiums for liability coverage for their trauma physicians and will not be effected by the exposure of other hospitals or physicians.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT continued from page 1 on our last 40 years My goals are to continue our excellent advocacy work in the to make sure the public understands the importance and extent of ophthalmic education and training; and to ensure that high quality train- ing continues to equal high quality care for Floridians. We plan to continue the good works of former FSO presi- dents who have made eye screening and disease diagnosis for our young people a top priority We plan to reach out to our patients with a newly designed web site that will provide the kind of instant information needed so patients can reach our member ophthalmologists when they need the best care. We also will work hard to bring residents into our FSO membership so they can benefit from the great opportunities the FSO can provide. Our goal at the FSO is to serve our members with the best benefits possible so you can save on malpractice insurance and have the most inclusive benefits to help you serve your patients with the best care and in the most efficient manner. Together we can march forward building and protecting the profession of ophthalmology and always keeping in mind that superb patient care is our top priority.

The Florida Ophthalmologist - Winter 2006 - 3 REPORT FROM THE FSO 2006 ANNUAL MEETING ~ NAPLES, FLORIDA FSO Annual Meeting Was A Real 'Hit' As Always!

By Michael Stewart, M.D. Chairman, Public Relations Committee "The excellent attendance (145 The Florida Society of Ophthalmology held physicians, 165 technicians, 30 office its 2006 annual meeting from August 18-20, at the beautiful Ritz Carlton beach resort in Na- managers) continued a string of ples. The excellent attendance (145 physicians, successful FSO meetings." 165 technicians, 30 office managers) continued a string of successful FSO meetings. Friday morning’s program began with the Sunday morning began with the OMIC risk management ever-popular AAO CodeQuest program. This meeting. Attendees were treated to excellent practice advice was followed by the afternoon’s glaucoma mini-symposium in addition to a discount on their OMIC premium. on “Optic nerve Imaging” featuring Dr. Robert Dania and Flor- The annual business meeting highlighted the society’s ida’s Drs. Rick Bendel, Michael Levine and Paul Schacknow. excellent fiscal condition. The Board recommended a new Friday evening was capped off by a well-attended cocktail slate of officers, David Cano (West Palm Beach) – President and heavy hors d’ouvres reception with the exhibitors. Elect, Saiyid Hasan (Jacksonville) – Vice President, and The Saturday Scientific Session featured lectures by Ab- Joe Trentacoste (Miami) – Secretary/Treasurer, which was hdish Bavsar (retina), R. Doyle Stulting (refractive surgery), unanimously approved by the membership. Robert Osher (cataract) and Robert Dania (glaucoma). The The meeting concluded with the ever-popular sub-spe- Melvin Rubin Lecture entitled “Progress and Challenges: the cialty sessions (retina, oculoplastics, pediatrics, glaucoma, Treatment of Dry Eyes” was delivered by Michael Lemp. refractive). Unfortunately, the Saturday afternoon golf and tennis tour- In an attempt to avoid inclement weather, the date of naments were abbreviated due to heavy thunderstorms. next year’s meeting will be moved forward to June 22-24 The Saturday evening President’s Dinner/Dance was well and the meeting will be held at the newly opened Rosen attended and an excellent time had by all. Current President Shingle Creek resort in Orlando. For more information, read Gary Dolan of Bradenton passed the gavel to Mayssa Top- the story below. pino who assumed leadership of the society at the meeting’s conclusion. It’s Not too Early to Sign Up for 2007

For all of you who are planning your 2007 calendars, don’t forget to write down June 22-24, 2007. That’s the date for FSO’s 2007 Annual Meeting. It will be held at a brand new hotel in Orlando that has many exciting amenities for you and your family. This is background provided us on the hotel: “Situated on 230 acres of lush landscape, Rosen Shingle Creek is ’s newest and most luxurious meeting destination. The history of Shingle Creek reveals the captivat- ing tale of how its majestic cypress trees provided some much needed shelter for early settlers and their homes. Today, our stunning grand lobby welcomes you into a world of lavish choices, complete with luxury accommodations, enticing restaurants, and a championship golf course. Rosen Shingle The Rosen Shingle Creek is Central Florida’s newest and most Creek is conveniently located on Universal Boulevard just off luxurious meeting destination the Beachline Expressway (SSR 528 Exit #2) and a half mile east of the Orange County Convention Center. This ideal You can get special FSO room rates for only $179 a night. location is also minutes away from Orlando’s world famous This year’s annual meeting will celebrate the 40th anniversary attractions like Disney World®, Universal Orlando®, Wet‘n of the FSO and will include many highly respected ophthal- Wild and Sea World®” mologists from throughout the country.

4 The Florida Ophthalmologist - Winter 2006 REPORT FROM THE FSO 2006 ANNUAL MEETING ~ NAPLES, FLORIDA The FSO Honor Roll

Shaler Richardson, M.D. Department of Ophthalmology. the Florida Society of Ophthalmology. Service to Medicine Award Dr. Dorman has led the way in fight- Dr. Stewart received his Undergradu- Miami Ophthalmolo- ing for screening the young for eye ate Degree in Chemistry from Harvard gist Dr. Philip Rosenfield, disease. He is a former fso president University. He graduated from McGill M.D. was awarded a top who studied biology as an undergradu- Medical School in Montreal with his honor from The Florida ate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute M.D. He completed residencies at Society of Ophthalmolo- in New York. University of Miami and at Emory gy, the Shaler Richardson, University. Dr. Stewart also completed Dr. Philip He continued on to medical school fellowships in Vitreoretinal Diseases at Rosenfield, M.D. M.D. Service to Medicine at Albany Medical College and com- award. He was presented the Retina Research Foundation and at pleted his Fellowship in Pediatric the University of California. the award at the Florida Society of Ophthalmology at Children’s Memo- Ophthalmology’s annual meeting in rial Hospital in Chicago. Naples held August 18-20, 2006. We are very happy to introduce Outstanding Young Dr. Rosenfield received a Bachelor this year’s winner, of the the Clower of Arts degree summa cum laude from Ophthalmologist Community Service Award to Dr. Mark Leadership Award Case Western Reserve University, and Dorfman of Hollywood, Florida. his medical degree from Johns Hopkins The Florida Society University School of Medicine. He of Ophthalmology has completed a residency in Obstetrics President of the Florida named Stephen Schwartz, and Gynecology at The Johns Hopkins Society of Ophthalmology M.D., of Jacksonville as the Hospital, Baltimore and a residency in Outstanding Young Oph- Ophthalmology at Eye Dr. Mayssa Aziz Top- Stephen thalmologist in Florida. and Ear Infirmary, Harvard University. pino, M.D., FACS, the Schwartz, M.D. Dr. Schwartz practices at He then completed a fellowship at Medical Director at Eye the Bascom Palmer Eye Harvard in Ophthalmology (Retinal Specialists, has been nomi- Institute in Naples. Degenerations), and a fellowship at nated as president of the Schwartz’s honor is given annually University Miami School of Medicine, Florida Society of Oph- Dr. Mayssa Aziz to a Florida ophthalmologist younger Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Vitreo- thalmology. Toppino, M.D., than forty years of age, who has been retinal Diseases, where he currently Dr. Toppino specializes in his/her practice situation for less practices. in small incision cataract surgery and than eight years, who has demonstrated glaucoma, as well as Botox treatments. leadership, service, competence, and She graduated summa cum laude devotion to the high ethical and profes- James W. Clower, Jr. M.D., from Case Western Reserve Univer- sional standards of the Florida Society Community Service Award sity in Ohio. She received her medical of Ophthalmology. degree from Ohio State University of The Florida Society of Dr. Schwartz is a graduate of Medicine. She completed her intern- Ophthalmology awarded Cornell University. He completed his ship and residency in ophthalmology the James W. Clower, Jr. Residency in ophthalmology at New at The George Washington University M.D. Community Service York University School of Medicine in Washington D.C Award to Mark Dorfman, and his Fellowship in Diseases and Mark Dorfman, M.D. of Hollywood at surgery of the retina and vitreous at M.D. their annual meeting in McPherson Retina Center, Baylor Col- Naples August 18-20, Distinguished Serviceas Top lege of Medicine. 2006. The award is given annually to Ophthalmologist Award the Florida ophthalmologist who has The Florida Society of Ophthalmol- Two FSO Members Receive made the greatest contribution of time ogy awarded the John R. Brayton award Secretariat Award from AAO and service to his/her community. for Distinguished Board Service to Oph- FSO members Stephen Schwartz Dr. Dorfman currently practices thalmologist Michael Stewart, M.D M.D., of Naples and L. Neal Freeman at Eye Surgery Associates of Florida, Dr. Stewart serves as both Assistant M.D., MBA, of Melbourne, have re- specializing in pediatric ophthalmol- Professor of Ophthalmology at the ceived the Secretariat Award from the ogy. He earned his medical degree Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and American Academy of Ophthalmology. at Albany Medical College in New as Chief of Ophthalmology at St. Luke’s The award recognizes special contri- York and completed his Residency at Hospital at the Mayo Clinic. He previ- butions made to the Academy and to the Medical College of Virginia in the ously served as president of the Board of ophthalmology.

The Florida Ophthalmologist - Winter 2006 - 5 SCREENING continued from page 1

Florida’s children continue to be identified with eye condi- tions past the optimum age for treatment. Florida’s primary care physicians are best situated to screen and identify those children ages birth to five years in need of a complete eye examination. Effective education regarding the importance of early vision screening, proper methods and timing of screenings will enhance the way infants and preschool children are screened at their doctors’ offices. Vision Is Priceless Council staff and volunteers have partnered with Nemours Children’s Clinic, Mayo Clinic- Jacksonville, and the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) to produce an interactive, training CD-ROM that will change the way infants and preschool children are screened at their doctors’ offices. The project will educate pediatricians and family practitioners, as well as appropriate clinical staff, on FSO member Dr. Robert W. Hered, M.D., Chief-Pediatric the importance of early vision screening and teach methods Ophthalmology at Nemours Children’s Clinic in Jacksonville and timings of screenings. Featured screenings include red and Medical Director of VIP’s Children’s Program, announce reflex, external inspection, fixation behavior, corneal light educational DVD. Also attending Jacksonville Mayor John reflex, Bruckner test, cover test and eye charts. Peyton.. This educational tool has been authored by Robert W. Hered, M.D., Chief-Pediatric Ophthalmology at Nemours The Florida CD is endorsed by the Florida Society of Children’s Clinic in Jacksonville and Medical Director of Ophthalmology, the Florida Pediatric Society, and the VIP’s Children’s Program. The CD offers opportunities to Florida Academy of Family Physicians. Other supporting earn Continuing Medical Education credits and provide organizations include Mayo Clinic, Medtronic Foundation, program feedback. the American Retina Foundation and PedsEducation.org.

6 The Florida Ophthalmologist - Winter 2006 FSO DOCTOR IN THE NEWS Mendelsohn tapped for Crist Transition Team

Governor-Elect Charlie Crist has tion as one of the ten most outstanding Ophthalmology selected Hollywood physician Dr. Alan graduating ophthalmologists in the in 1996 and con- Mendelsohn to serve in a key leadership United States. tinues to lead that role on his transition team overseeing organization’s Dr. Mendelsohn and his family health care in Florida. public policy moved to South Florida in 1986, where efforts. Dr. Men- Alan D. Mendelsohn, M.D., has been he completed a Fellowship in corneal delsohn has also an ophthalmologist in Broward County transplant surgery and corneal refrac- held numerous for twenty years. He attended North- tive surgery at the renowned Bascom leadership posi- western University’s Honors Program Palmer Eye Institute. in Medical Education and Northwest- tions in both the While practicing in South Florida, Alan D. Mendelsohn, ern University Medical School, where Broward County Dr. Mendelsohn has been actively en- M.D. he also completed his residency training Medical Associa- gaged in organized medicine at the lo- in Ophthalmology. At the completion tion and in the cal, state, and national levels. He served of this training, he was honored by the Florida Medical Association. as president of the Florida Society of prestigious Heed Ophthalmic Founda- He has received a number of national awards for his efforts and for his lead- ership from such organizations as the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Florida Medical Association, and the Benefit from our first- Florida Society of Ophthalmology. hand knowledge of the Dr. Mendelsohn has written articles health care industry. for numerous scientific publications and has presented his findings at inter- national and national ophthalmology Holland & Knight’s Health society conferences. Law Team. Dr. Alan D. Mendelsohn, M.D. is practicing at Eye Surgeons & Consul- tants on Sheridan Street in Hollywood, As one of the largest health Florida. law practices in the U.S., our attorneys have nearly 100 years of experience representing health care and related businesses. The Florida Ophthalmolgist is a regular publication of the Florida Society This rich industry of Ophthalmolgy. Steve Hull, Editor - [email protected] experience, combined The FSO provides this Newsletter as a benefit to its members and the with the broader practice public and to further its educational mission. • The FSO, any Newsletter contributors and their affiliates do not make any warranties, as to the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of any resources of the firm, have material presented herein. The FSO and its Newsletter contributors are not liable to anyone for any: a) errors, inaccuracies, omissions contained made Holland & Knight herein or b) damages or injury to person or property from any use of ideas contained herein. a legal partner of choice • The information set forth herein is not intended to replace consultation with an ophthalmologist. Furthermore, the FSO cannot answer • Unless for providers, payors, specifically stated otherwise, the opinions expressed and statements made by various authors in this Newsletter reflect the author’s observations and networks, manufacturers, do not imply endorsement by the FSO. • Except as specifically noted herein, the FSO does not endorse any of distributors and suppliers. www.hklaw.com the products or companies mentioned in this Newsletter.

Morris Miller Offices: 17 U.S. + 6 International POSITION SOUGHT Shannon Hartsfield Jerome Hoffman The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon BOARD CERTIFIED OPHTHAL- Tallahassee, FL advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to MOLOGIST with FL, GA, SC lics. 1 888 688 8500 send you free written information about our Seeks affiliation with ophthalmo- qualifications and experience. logic colleagues to do medical Copyright © 2006 Holland & Knight LLP All Rights Reserved. retina, uveitis, and general ophthal- mology in your offices. Reply to: [email protected]

The Florida Ophthalmologist - Winter 2006 - 7 Here’s what your new FSO website looks like In the early part of January 2007 FSO will unveil a brand new website with an increased emphasis on patients receiving the latest information on ophthalmological issues including how to reach an FSO eye MD when they are in need of service. The multi media website will be attractive and easy to navigate and will have a special section for only FSO members so you can get the latest educational and legislative information impacting your every day practice. The FSO website, MDeye. org, was initiated by the Board and implemented by our lobbyist and public relations director Steve Hull in 2001 with the excellent assistance of web master Clark Morgan. The site has been a popular reference and information reservoir for the latest information on all aspects of your Society receiving up to 14,000 hits per month. The web site will be for your use as a member and we hope it will enable you to communicat e on a broader scope with your patients and the public at large in Florida. So don’t forget, go to MDeye.org after the new year and see your newly designed website.

PRSRT. STD Florida Society of Ophthalmology U.S. POSTAGE 8833 Perimeter Park Blvd., Suite 301 PAID TALLAHASSEE, FL Jacksonville, Florida 32216 PERMIT # 109 292 N. Magnolia Drive (850) 224-8310

8 The Florida Ophthalmologist - Winter 2006