Join us for the following sessions at the Joint Meeting in San Francisco. All events are free. For detailed descriptions, access the Online Program.
Surgery by Surgeons Forum
Sunday, Oct. 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Registration desk opens 10:30 a.m.
InterContinental Hotel, Grand Ballroom B
Event code: SPE16
Optometrists have not relented in their attempt to expand optometric scope of practice through legislation rather than education. In 2009, the optometry lobby has been particularly aggressive, seeking surgical privileges in an unprecedented eight state legislatures. The Surgery by Surgeons Forum kicks off the Fall Council Meeting on Sunday, Oct. 25. Explore how ophthalmology has responded to optometry's scope-of-practice battles at state and federal levels as a threat to patient safety, and what this means for the future of your practice. Attendance is limited to Academy members and invited guests. If you did not preregister for this session, you may register onsite at the Registration and Information desk.
Medicare Reform 2009: Sustenance or Abstinence
Sunday, Oct. 25, 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Moscone South, Gateway Ballroom 104
Event code: SPE19
What is in store for ophthalmology as Congress seeks to make health care affordable, efficient and of high quality for Medicare beneficiaries? Medicare provides medical care to 42.5 million senior and disabled Americans at a cost of more than $335 billion a year. Reforming this important program was one of the top priorities in the 2008 presidential campaign. Will there be overall reform that includes stopping the 21.6 percent cut to physician payments? Or will gridlock and economic stress result in another short-term fix or no solution at all? This session will look at the impact on ophthalmology as a new administration takes charge and the real work of making Medicare sustainable begins.
How the FDA Impacts the Day-to-Day Operations of Ophthalmologists and Their Practices
Sunday, Oct. 25, 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Moscone South, Room 301
Event code: SPE20
What is the FDA working on that ophthalmologists need to know about? How can it affect your practice? What free patient education materials are available? Experts from the FDA will provide their insight on a variety of topics, including LASIK activities, contact lens safety, the latest developments on Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome and a unique program for doctors to report and share concerns about ophthalmic device safety. Audience members will be able to discuss FDA-related ophthalmic issues with agency experts during a question-and-answer period.
The New Political Realities in Washington, D.C.: How Will All This Affect Me and My Patients?
2009 AMA Ophthalmology Section Council Symposium
Monday, Oct. 26, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Moscone West, Room 2002
Event code: SYM12
Physicians face numerous challenges and changes in the near future.
- Implementation of comprehensive health-care and financing reforms will have far-reaching effects on the practice of ophthalmology.
- The recession and federal deficit will drive payment for services, funding for research and how we will care for our patients.
- New health information technology mandates will yield vast quantities of data to track and protect.
At this session, leaders from the AMA, the NEI, the Academy and academia will discuss how health-care reform will impact our delivery of eye care in the United States. During the session, AMA President James Rohack, MD, will deliver the Parker Heath Lecture.
The Changing Landscape of National Health Care: How the VA and DOD are Leading the Way
Monday, Oct. 26, 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Moscone West, Room 3018
Event code: SPE35
Representatives from the Association of Veterans Affairs Ophthalmologists, the Society of Military Ophthalmologists and others will discuss how the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense are leading the way in our nation’s changing health care environment. Discussions will focus on topics including a national electronic medical record system, the newly-established VA-DOD Vision Center of Excellence and surgical outcomes. A question-and-answer period will follow.
