Promoting and protecting the medical specialty of ... Fall Newsletter.pdf · need for early vision screenings to detect and treat amblyopia. The FSO’s charitable arm, For Eye Care

A Publication of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology

Promoting and protecting the medical specialty of ophthalmology

FALL 2017

Your quarterly newsletter

dedicated to strengthening your

ophthalmology practice.

President’s MessageIN THIS ISSUE:

continued on page 2.

As the first cool days of fall arrive, the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) is getting warmed up for an active year of advocacy, education and outreach.

Under the leadership of Adam Katz, MD last year, the FSO had a very busy and productive year, culminating in June with another successful annual meeting in Miami. As President for the upcoming year, I would like to thank the FSO Board and members for my nomination and election. I am excited to promote our mission as outlined below.

Advocacy:The field of surgical ophthalmology is an extraordinarily complex dynamic. We have seen advances in cataract surgery with smaller incisions, reduced recovery times for retinal surgery and

Krishna Kishor, MDPresident

The Florida Ophthalmologist

2017 Legislative Session Recap

Masters in Ophthlamology 2017 Highlights

Assisted Reading Solutions

the advent of several new and exciting glaucoma procedures. With this ever-changing field, it is more imperative than ever that our patients are cared for by competent medical doctors who understand the depth and complexities of our field.

In this unpredictable medical landscape, we are witnessing an increase in non-medical providers staking claim on our scope of practice, which unfortunately exposes our patients to unnecessary risks.

Be assured that through our efforts in the legislative process,

your FSO will continue to advocate to protect the patients of Florida.

Education:Preparations are already underway for the Masters in Ophthalmology 2018 meeting June 8-10 at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grand Lakes in Orlando. We have commitments from a great list of nationally recognized faculty including: George Papaliodis, MD (Uveitis); Christopher J. Rapuano, MD (Cornea/Anterior Segment/Refractive Surgery); Trexler M. Topping, MD (Retina/Healthcare Policy); Brian A. Welcome, MD (Glaucoma) and Michael Chiang, MD (Pediatric/Strabismus). The 2018 meeting will be yet another innovative and educational meeting.

We also hope to continue the Young Ophthalmologists (YO) Seminar, a new feature at the 2017 meeting spearheaded by FSO President-Elect Darby Miller, MD. The goal of this program is to introduce those starting their medical careers to the FSO structure

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as we hope to inculcate the spirit of leadership and stress the importance of advocacy.

Outreach:Since 2015, we have recognized August as Amblyopia Awareness month. Under the leadership of Stacey Kruger, MD, FSO VP of Advocacy, our organization will champion efforts to educate the public on the need for early vision screenings to detect and treat amblyopia. The FSO’s charitable arm, For Eye Care Foundation, Inc., hopes to continue raising awareness for this potentially treatable disorder at vision screening events.

Meeting highlights from the Masters in Ophthalmology 2017 Meeting held June 2-4, 2017 in Miami are now available! Don’t forget another great FSO member benefit is that you have member only access to download slides and recordings from the Masters in Ophthalmology 2017 Meeting. Go to mdeye.org, login using your username and password, then go to mdeye.org/education/meeting-resources/2017. View several of the highly rated presentations synced with audio.

If you need help with your username or password, please contact [email protected].

EDUCATION

Masters in Ophthalmology 2017 Meeting Highlights

Adam Katz, MD receives the President’s Plaque from

president-elect Krishna Kishor, MD.

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OPH

MA

STER

S.C

OM

June 8–10, 2018The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Orlando, FL

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Nationally Featured FacultyPEDIATRIC/STRABISMUSMichael F. Chiang, MDKnowles Professor, Departments of Ophthalmology & Medical Informatics and Clinical EpidemiologyVice-Chair (Research), Department of OphthalmologyCasey Eye InstituteOregon Health & Science UniversityPortland, OR UVEITISGeorge N. Papaliodis, MDDirector, Ocular Immunology and Uveitis ServiceDiplomate, American Boards of Internal Medicine and OphthalmologyAssistant Professor of OphthalmologyHarvard Medical SchoolBoston, MA CORNEA/ANTERIOR SEGMENT/REFRACTIVE SURGERYChristopher J. Rapuano, MDDirector, Cornea ServiceWills Eye InstituteProfessor of Ophthalmology, Je�erson Medical CollegeThomas Je�erson UniversityPhiladelphia, PA RETINA/HEALTHCARE POLICYTrexler M. Topping, MDPresident and Medical DirectorOphthalmic Consultants of BostonBoston, MA

GLAUCOMABrian A. Welcome, MDJervey Eye GroupGreenville, SC

Preparing for Battle

ADVOCACY

Amy J. YoungLegislative Consultant,Ballard Partners

As most of you are aware, the 2017 Legislative Session was a very tough, yet successful, battle where we fought the bold move of the Florida Optometric Association (FOA) to file sweeping scope of practice legislation.

If passed, that legislation would have allowed them to perform a broad array of surgeries and prescribe virtually all oral medications, including opioids. Furthermore, the legislation would have given the Board of Optometry the sole authority to define the practice of optometry and determine what testing and qualifications optometrists needed to perform surgery.

Although we are early in the process preparing for the 2018 session, which begins in January, we are fully anticipating the FOA to return with similar legislation. Your FSO Board members have been working hard to target legislators who we know are key to our success in the upcoming session.

There are only a few short months until legislators return to Tallahassee to convene for the first Interim Committee Week, which began on Oct. 9.

Following that week, the Florida Legislature is scheduled to return for another five weeks of Interim Committee Weeks in advance of the first official day of the 2018 regular session on Jan. 9, 2018.  The 2018 legislative session is scheduled to conclude March 9, 2018.

The remaining Interim Committee Week schedule is as follows:

• November 6-9, 2017

• November 13-17, 2017

• December 4-8, 2017

During Interim Committee Weeks, the Legislature may perform all legislative activities except pass legislation.

Legislators are actively drafting, filing and advancing both substantive policy and budgetary issues through the respective House and Senate committees during those meeting weeks.  

We need to prepare now! Please support the FSO by contributing to FOCUS, the FSO’s Political Committee, online at mdeye.org/support/contribute. We are facing a huge challenge to your practice and your patients’ welfare. We implore you to:

• Contact every colleague you know and let them know we expect this legislation again for 2018.

• If colleagues in your region are not members of FSO, encourage them to join now.

• If you or any colleague have not paid your annual dues, please pay them now.

• Ask all your colleagues to contribute a suggested minimum of $1,000 to FOCUS.

• Make a suggested minimum donation of $1,000 to the AAO Surgical Scope Fund. The Academy’s support is vital to our success.

• Contact your legislators, meet with them to discuss why the optometric legislation is absurd and dangerous. Find them online at: myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/myrepresentative.aspx

• Discuss the dangers of the proposed legislation your patients and encourage them to contact their legislators too.

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Cataract Surgery: Telling It Like It Is!

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Cataract Surgery: Telling It Like It Is! will return for the eighth year in Florida. The 2018 meeting will be held at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, January 18-21 with an additional free day of subspecialty updates for those who wish to arrive early.

According to Robert Osher, MD Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati and Medical Director Emeritus at the Cincinnati Eye Institute, “We are bringing some of the best and most experienced cataract surgeons back to Florida including Doug Koch, MD, Sam Masket, MD, Richard Mackool, MD, Warren Hill, MD, Ike Ahmed, MD, Alan Crandall, MD, Michael Snyder, MD, William Fishkind, MD, Lisa Arbisser, MD, and many others. I chose both the senior and junior Faculty based upon their willingness to work tirelessly to assure that every attendee leaves a more skilled, knowledgeable, and confident surgeon.”

The agenda has also been revamped based upon reading almost 600 evaluations last year. The New Technology Symposium features head-to-head combat between surgeons whose opinions differ in Toric Alignment Devices, Posterior Corneal Measurements, and Anterior Capsulorhexis Devices. There will be video symposia on Routine Cases, Favorite Instruments, Challenging Cases, Extreme Cases, Complication Management, Emergencies During Cataract Surgery, Peri-Operative Medications, Ergonomics, IOL Repositioning/Exchange, and Selecting IOLs in Difficult Situations. Other symposia include Leaving Insurance, Surgical Efficiency, Business Strategies, and Risk Management moderated by Bradley Fouraker for which Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company (OMIC) will offer significant discounts.

Keynote Lectures this year will be delivered by Drs. Sam Masket, Alan Crandall, and Ehud Assia, one of Europe’s innovative surgeons who invented the Assia Anchor and APX.

More than 30 hands-on wetlabs and didactic courses will be offered including the proper

technique for performing Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Complications Encountered During Cataract Surgery. Dr. Lisa Arbisser will be supported by vitreoretinal surgeons Chris Riemann, MD, Jamey Osher, MD, and Ron Adelman, MD. Michael Snyder, MD and Greg Ogawa, MD will teach a wetlab on Iris Reconstruction and Advanced IOL Suturing demonstrating Pupillary Cerclage, Cow-Hitch, and Sliding-Knot Techniques. A popular wetlab on intracameral devices will review the Capsule

Retractors, CTRs, and Pupil-Dilating Devices. Dr. Ike Ahmed will oversee six glaucoma wet labs including Xen and Cypass. New this year will be a wetlab on Intrascleral Haptic Fixation taught by Steve Safran, MD; LVC for Unexpected Refractive Surprise following Premium Lenses taught by Marguerite McDonald, MD; and Cases Gone Wrong! instructed by Tom Oetting, MD, Mark Blecher, MD and Keith Walter, MD. Regardless of what the surgeon wants to learn be it phakic lenses, AK/LRI, Presbyopia-Correcting Options, Toric Lenses, OCT Interpretation, etc, these topics and others can be chosen as electives.

“The meeting is a financial bargain with early-bird registration at $675, which includes most meals,” said Osher. “The hotels are also offering attendees excellent rates. To view the faculty, agenda, and wetlabs please visit the registration website CSTellingItLikeItIs.com.

Osher, who completed his Residency and Fellowships at Bascom Palmer, concludes the meeting is unique for one other important reason.

“We do not offer CME, which allows surgeons to teach without restriction,” he said. “The best part of the meeting is that the faculty and the audience can say whatever they wish which is the way education should be in the United States.”

“More than 30 hands-on wetlabs and didactic

courses will be offered”

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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 a�ecting our profession and to help deter legislative encroachment by unquali�ed personnel. FOCUS is the FSO political committee (PC). In order to be successful in our legislative e�orts, FOCUS needs support by way of �nancial 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.

CONTACT INFORMATION

First ________________________ Last__________________________ Degree__________Address____________________________________________________________________City __________________________________________ State ___________ Zip_________Country _______________________________ Phone______________________________Occupation________________________________________________________________Email_____________________________________________________________________

PAYMENT INFORMATION

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

Name on Card _______________________________________ Card Number ____________________________

Exp. Date (mm/yy) _____________ Security Code______________ Zip Code____________

Contribution Pledge Card

ONE-TIME CONTRIBUTION AMOUNT

$365 ($1/day) $500 $1,000 other $_______

MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION AMOUNT*

$84/month for 12 months $167/month for 12 months other monthly amount $______/month

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

PLEASE RETURN FORM

Fax to: 904-998-0855Mail to: The Florida Society of Ophthalmology6816 Southpoint Parkway, Suite 1000Jacksonville, FL 32216

Some of you are not opted-in to receive emails from the FSO. If you are interested in getting emails from the FSO, please check the box below. You can opt-out at any time, by contacting the FSO o�ce at 904-998-0819. If you do not wish to opt-in, please follow the FSO on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on FSO news and events.

I would like to opt-in to receive emails from the FSO.

9ADVERTISEMENT

Third Party Liason Committee Update

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OUTREACH

L. Neal Freeman, MD, MBA, FACSCommittee Chairs

New Taxonomy Codes (Or, “Comparing Apples to Apples”)Various ophthalmic subspecialists are now eligible to designate themselves using more specific classifications than the general category of “ophthalmology” (Specialty 18).

The subspecialist taxonomy codes are as follows:

207WX0009X for glaucoma specialists207WX0200X for oculoplastics specialists207WX0107X for retina specialists207WX0108X for uveitis and ocular inflammatory disease specialists

These taxonomy codes are important because it allows subspecialists to be categorized with similar practitioners, which is important for comparison purposes. For example, the inherent differences in the cost of patient care by these subspecialists should be more understandable when subspecialists are classified together.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has provided instructions for updating taxonomy classifications at aao.org/practice-management/regulatory/mips/resource-use-taxonomy.

Local Coverage Determination UpdateFinal language on these Local Coverage Determinations is currently under consideration by First Coast Service Options:

DL22751 Scanning Computerized Ophthalmic Diagnostic Imaging (SCODI)DL37398 Electroretinography

The final language for LCD DL36962 (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors for the Treatment of Ophthalmological Diseases) has been released, and the policy is in effect as of July 24, 2017.

Global Surgery Reporting RequirementsA CMS provision to eliminate 10 and 90-day global surgery payments was halted. In its place, CMS is requiring groups of 10 or more practitioners (MD, DO, OD, PA, NP) in several states (including Florida) to report code CPT 99024 via claims for several common procedures. This requirement began July 1, 2017, and will continue indefinitely.

“These taxonomy codes are important because it allows subspecialists to be categorized with similar practitioners,

which is important for comparison purposes.”

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About For Eye Care Foundation, Inc.:

We are the charitable arm of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology, an organization of ophthalmologists devoted delivering the highest standard of eye care throughout the state of Florida. The For Eye Care Foundation, Inc., formed in 2010 by the Florida Society of Ophthalmology, assists other eye care organizations with community outreach and delivers important public service messages regarding eye care and disease.

For Eye Care Foundation, Inc.

Serving Floridians—Protecting Vision

Donation Form

First_____________________________________________ Last________________________________ Su�x________

Address___________________________________________________________________________________________

City________________________________________________ State________________________ Zip_______________

Email____________________________________________________________ Phone____________________________

Donation Amount $1000 $750 $500 $365 $250 $100 Other: $_______________

Payment Method Check Visa MC Amex

Credit card #_________________________________ Exp. Date___________ Security Code______ Zip Code________

Name on Card____________________________________ Signature_______________________________________

My donation is in memory of in honor of _________________________________________________________

Acknowledgements to:

First_____________________________________________ Last________________________________ Su�x________

Address___________________________________________________________________________________________

City________________________________________________ State________________________ Zip_______________

For Eye Care Foundation, Inc.6816 Southpoint Pkwy, Suite 1000 • Jacksonville, FL 32216

P: 904-998-0819 F: 904-998-0855www.mdeye.org/patients

For Eye Care Foundation, Inc. plans to use your generous contributions for:

• Public Education and Media Messaging • Community Outreach and Screening • Small Grants for Public Services

The Foundation would like to collaborate with organizations around a common agenda. To �nd out more about the Foundation, to volunteer or to share your ideas, please contact us at 904-998-0819.

My donation is enclosed. Please contact me about volunteer opportunities.

The For Eye Care Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonpro�t organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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OUTREACH

For Eye Care Foundation UpdateAnother vision screening was offered through the For Eye Care Foundation (FECF) of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) and took place at the Caridad Center Science in Boynton Beach on Saturday, July 29 during the Center’s “Back-to-School” event.

The vision screening was part of event that attracted both preschool and older children to the Caridad Center and included hearing screenings as well as offering school supplies and back packs.  Volunteer participants in the vision screening included Ophthalmology residents from the Larkin Community Hospital program in Miami, the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, FAU medical students, Caridad Center staff and Cano & Manning Eye Center’s staff.  Two SPOT vision screening devices made the screenings both fast and fun for the children and the volunteers.

We also owe a great deal of gratitude to Ana Neira of the Caridad Center who had the vision to invite us to this special event and made wonderful accommodations in the new building for the screening. 

This successful event helped to raise awareness of preventable vision loss in children due to Amblyopia. We were able to screen 152 children at this event, as well as provide them with appropriate resources when they were referred for complete eye exams by the vision screening. 41 children were identified as having potential eye problems by the vision screening process. Problems detected included bilateral high hyperopia, anisometropia, high astigmatism, and other vision issues.

We give special thanks to Jennifer Breitinger, COMS, Children’s Services Coordinator/Orientation at the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, who gathered and analyzed the data from this vision screening. Forty-one were identified with the following vision issues: 18 astigmatism, six myopia/astigmatism, two hyperopia/astigmatism, two astigmatism/gaze problem, one hyperopia/astigmatism/gaze problem, two hyperopia, six myopia and four other problems. Those children who were identified of having potential visual issues were supplied information and resources for follow up, including the vision clinic at the Caridad Center and the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, as well as a list of local pediatric ophthalmologists.

Unfortunately, only about 20 percent of children in Florida are appropriately screened for amblyopia, which is a preventable and completely treatable form of vision loss if detected at an early age.

The FECF was very pleased to provide one of the screening devices for the screening along with the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches.  We hope to partner with the Caridad Center again to help prevent this type of preventable blindness in these children again in the future.

David Cano, MDChair

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Questions regarding the recruit a member program, please contact [email protected].

Recruit a New FSO Member and Save $100 or more on Your FSO Annual Dues! A s a F l o r i d a S o c i e t y o f O p h t h a l m o l o g y m e m b e r , y o u a l r e a d y k n o w t h e v a l u e t h a t m e m b e r s h i p b r i n g s t o y o u , y o u r c a r e e r , a n d y o u r p a t i e n t s . F r o m t o p - n o t c h e d u c a t i o n a l p r o g r a m s t o l e g i s l a t i v e a d v o c a c y i n F l o r i d a ’ s c a p i t o l , m e m b e r s h i p i n t h e F S O s u p p o r t s y o u i n p r o v i d i n g t h e b e s t p o s s i b l e p a t i e n t c a r e .

To encourage recruitment

efforts, we are offering members $100 off annual

dues for every

new member that joins based

on YOUR referral! How to refer a new member: 1 . C ont act you r col l eagu es an d fel low opht halmologi st s a nd sha re how you have be n efi ted fro m F SO mem bershi p

3 . Whe n t hey su bmi t thei r a ppli c at i on, have t hem fi l l i n you r na me in the f i e ld , “Recomm endi ng M e mbe r”

2 . Sha re wi th the m t he be ne fi t s o f me mb e rship and enc ourage t he m t o comp lete a me mb e rshi p ap pl icat io n

4 . We wi l l t ake ca re of the rest a nd you wi l l SAV E on your next due s renewal !

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Newly Elected OfficersNew FSO Leadership Takes Reins at Masters in Opthalmology 2017

PresidentKrishna Kishor, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the University of Miami/Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. In 2008, he was appointed to the Ann Bates Leach Eye Hospital and has also been at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Fla, since

2011. Kishor received his Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and Doctor of Medicine degree from Medical College of Virginia/VCU, where he also completed his residency. Kishor has co-authored multiple publications, book chapters, and abstracts. In 2011, he received the Michael R. Redmond, MD Outstanding Young Ophthalmologist Award from the FSO.

President-ElectDarby Miller, MD, is a cornea and cataract specialist and an assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. He completed his cornea fellowship at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and his ophthalmology residency and medical school at George

Washington University Medical Center. Miller completed his internship and earned his MS degree at Georgetown University. He completed his MPH degree at Harvard University and his undergraduate studies at the University of Kansas. In 2016, Miller received the Michael R. Redmond, MD Outstanding Young Ophthalmologist Leadership Award.

VICE PRESIDENTS

VP of Advocacy Joseph Nezgoda, MD, MBA, is a fellowship trained retina specialist at the Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Inc, in West Palm Beach. His area of focus is on the treatment of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, inflammatory eye disease and other diseases of the retina and vitreous.

Nezgoda completed a fellowship in medical and surgical diseases at the University of California and has also been a researcher at the National Institutes of Health. An honors graduate of Georgetown University, Nezgoda attended medical school at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. While there, he received several scholarships including the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Nezgoda also received the Excellence in Teaching Award from UMDNJ-RWJMS “in honor of dedicated service to clinical skills education in the preclinical years” for being the first coordinator of the Student Teaching Elective. Nezgoda performed post-graduate training at the Albert Einstein Medical Center, the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Case Western University/University Hospitals of Cleveland.

VP of Education David Eichenbaum, MD, has been employed at Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida – St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa – since 2007. He is also a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of South Florida College of Medicine. Eichenbaum received his Bachelor

of Arts and medical degrees from the University of South Florida. He completed a fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at Tufts/Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston and has co-authored multiple research interests and articles. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In 2015, Eichenbaum received the Michael R. Redmond, MD Outstanding Young Ophthalmologist Award from the FSO.

Vice President of Outreach Stacy Kruger, MD, is an attending physician at Stacey J. Kruger, MD & Associates, P.A. in Miami, Fla. Kruger received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis and her medical degree from SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn. She completed a residency in

ophthalmology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York and completed a pediatric ophthalmology fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina. In her private practice in Miami, she offers a full range of ophthalmic and contact lens services for children and young adults, as well as adult strabismus. Kruger has also been an active board member for the For Eye Care Foundation, the charitable arm of the FSO. She was the leader of an Amblyopia Awareness Campaign in 2015 and has organized and participated at numerous vision screening events around the state. In 2016, Kruger received the James W. Clower, Jr MD, Community Service Award for her contributions.

Secretary/Treasurer Kara Cavuoto, MD, is an assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology and clinical pediatrics at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She evaluates and treats patients with pediatric eye disorders, including amblyopia and strabismus, as well as

adults with strabismus. In addition, Cavuoto serves as the director of medical student education in ophthalmology at the University of Miami. In this role, she oversees all ophthalmology clerkships and pre-clinical graduate coursework and advises University of Miami medical students applying for ophthalmology residency. Cavuoto attended both college and medical school at the University of Miami as part of the Honors Program in Medicine combined BS-MD degree program. She completed an internship in internal medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital followed by ophthalmology residency and a pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

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Annual Award Winners Announced at Masters in Ophthalmology 2017 Meeting

The Florida Society of Ophthalmology announced the awardees of the special annual awards at the Masters in Ophthalmology 2017 meeting.

Jaime Membreno, MD received the John R. Brayton, Jr., MD, Leadership Award, which was established in honor of John R. Brayton, MD, which recognizes a Florida-based ophthalmologist who exemplifies leadership and dedication to the profession.

Dr. Membreno is a past president of the FSO and the current legislative chair. He is a third-generation board-certified ophthalmologist. Dr. Membreno is founder and director of the Retina Macula Specialists, with locations in Kissimmee and Orlando. He is an Affiliate Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of South Florida School of Medicine and an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Central Florida, School of Medicine. Dr. Membreno has been commissioned as a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve, Medical Corps since 2010.

Jay Mulaney, MD received the James W. Clower, Jr., MD, Community Service Award, which was established in honor of James W. Clower, Jr., MD, and recognizes a Florida-based ophthalmologist who has made the greatest contribution of time and service

to his or her community.

Dr. Mulaney is a board certified and fellowship trained ophthalmologist with Central Florida Eye Associates. After finishing a residency in Ophthalmology at the Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, he completed a fellowship in Glaucoma at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami. He has been in private practice in Lakeland for 27 years and has also been clinical assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of South Florida. Besides providing compassionate care to patients in his practice, he has served the greater community of Lakeland in numerous ways.

Kara Cavuoto, MD received the Michael R. Redmond, MD Outstanding Young Ophthalmologist Award, which 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.

Dr. Cavuoto is the FSO secretary-treasurer. She attended both college and medical school at the University of Miami as part of the Honors Program in Medicine combined BS-MD degree program. She completed an internship in internal medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital followed by ophthalmology residency and a pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

Darby Miller, MD received the Shaler Richardson, MD Service to Medicine Award, which recognizes a Florida ophthalmologist who has made the greatest professional 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. Miller is the FSO president-elect. He is a cornea and cataract specialist and an assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Dr. Miller completed his cornea fellowship at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and his ophthalmology residency and medical school at George Washington University Medical Center. Dr. Miller completed his Masters of Public Health degree at Harvard University and his undergraduate studies at the University of Kansas. He has been happily married for 11 years and has three energetic children.

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MEMBER CONNECTION

Tampa Bay Ophthalmological Societymytbos.com/meetings/tbosmeetings.php

None scheduled at this time.

Palm Beach County Ophthalmology Societypbcos.org

November 16, 2017Ruth’s Chris - West Palm Beach

REGIONAL SOCIETY MEETINGS

STATE AND NATIONAL MEETINGS

Duval County Ophthalmology Societypbcos.org

None scheduled at this time.

Be on the lookout for more regional society events in your area!

More information here:mdeye.org/advocacy/regional-societies

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 11–14, 2017 American Academy of Ophthalmology 2017 MeetingErnest N. Morial Convention CenterNew Orleans, LA aao.org/annual-meeting

January 17-21, 2018 Cataract Surgery: Telling It Like It Is Amelia Island, FL cstellingitlikeitis.com

April 18-21, 2018American Academy of Ophthalmology 2018 Mid-Year ForumRenaissance Downtown Washington, DC aao.org/mid-year-forum/overview

June 10-12, 2018 Masters in Ophthalmology 2018The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes Orlando, FL ophmasters.com

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November 11–14, 2017 American Academy of Ophthalmology 2017 MeetingErnest N. Morial Convention CenterNew Orleans, LA aao.org/annual-meeting

January 17-21, 2018 Cataract Surgery: Telling It Like It Is Amelia Island, FL cstellingitlikeitis.com

April 18-21, 2018American Academy of Ophthalmology 2018 Mid-Year ForumRenaissance Downtown Washington, DC aao.org/mid-year-forum/overview

June 10-12, 2018 Masters in Ophthalmology 2018The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes Orlando, FL ophmasters.com

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 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 you 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.

Benefits of Membership

Member Discount Benefit Program

• Professional development and networking opportunities

• Discounted registration to the annual meeting — Masters in Ophthalmology

• Subscription to society newsletter, The Florida Ophthalmologist

• Active voice in the Florida Legislature to advocate against scope of practice expansion and for important patient safety issues

• Representation at the Florida Medical Association Specialty Society Section and House of Delegates

• Advocate for reimbursement policy issues affecting ophthalmology

• Annual membership directory facilitates correspondence with your peers

• Complimentary membership for In-Training Fellows

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Florida Society of Ophthalmology Board Member and Education Committee Chair Clifford L. Salinger, MD, is on a mission to help improve the lives of many poverty-stricken children and adults around the world.

An International Ophthalmology fellow with ORBIS International (orbis.org), Dr. Salinger first began his volunteer work with the nonprofit organization in 1988. He spent a full year traveling with a team of eyecare professionals to developing countries to help train local host ophthalmologists to perform various eye surgical procedures and to diagnose and treat eye disease. Since then, he has stayed active with the organization by taking annual trips.

The ORBIS team conducts its training and procedures on a converted DC-10 airplane, which is complete with an operating room and closed-circuit television and serves as a flying, teaching eye hospital. Everything the surgeon sees through the microscope in the operating theatre is projected to the classroom at the front of the plane, which seats 50. The surgeon also wears a microphone inside their mask so they can narrate.

In addition to his involvement with ORBIS, Dr. Salinger has been active with SightLife (sightlife.org), a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating corneal blindness. With SightLife, he also helps train local ophthalmologists to conduct corneal transplants.

“SightLife is going one step further by helping villages obtain the technology [to conduct procedures],” Dr. Salinger said. “The goal

is to train them and help them set up sustainable situations where they can go out on their own and introduce the same technology to raise the standards and train more corneal surgeons. It’s about making it sustainable so they do not stretch their resources and it’s not about giving, giving, giving but instead it’s about educating them to be able to it for themselves.”

Last year, along with his wife Dori Haber, Dr. Salinger made 12 stops in 10 different countries with SightLife, spending three weeks in each

place to help train local ophthalmologists and conduct eye surgeries free of charge. His stops included Bulgaria, India (twice), Nepal, Thailand, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, China (twice), Mongolia and Malaysia. After the trip, Dr. Salinger and Dori were invited to serve on the organization’s Global Council of Advisors, where he helps guide fundraising efforts and provides program input.

“Access to appropriate healthcare in developing countries is unlike most of North America,” Dr. Salinger said. “It is not an inalienable right by any means. There are typically hundreds of people

lined up hoping to be seen and treated that day. Something we take for granted, like getting a bottle of eyedrops for one U.S. dollar to treat an infection and prevent a really bad scar and the need for a corneal transplant, can mean the difference between feeding their family that night or getting a bottle of generic medication.”

Dr. Salinger is proud of his efforts to spread his knowledge because it has a ripple effect in helping developing countries improve eyecare access. And with the ease of communications now, he can keep in contact with the ophthalmologists he has helped train.

“I am humbled for the opportunity to do this,” he said. “I would pay to do it. Though my expenses are taken care of, I am all volunteer, and often what I do at the end of trip is turn back around and donate those expenses back to the organization.”

It is Dr. Salinger’s hope that more and more eye surgeons get involved in helping serve developing communities, wherever it may be.

“We do not need to travel internationally to donate our time and expertise,” he said. “We can do it in our own back yard through teaching programs locally. We can do it through screening programs or delivering discount or free care to patients at our own offices. And we can also get involved by donating to the For Eye Care Foundation.”

Clifford L. Salinger, MDFSO Board Member

Member Spotlight: Clifford Salinger, MD

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