Volume 38 Number 5 2012
prospectus Some Important Things For You to Know By Thomas J. Landry, OD, President
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Letter from the President........................1 Register today for CE-NY...................2 Legal & Legislative Corner..................2 A Letter to the NYS Health Benefits Exchange..............................................3 Classified Ads.........................................9 High-Tech Classroom Tips...................... 7 SUNY Names New Associate Dean....8 New Dept. Chair at SUNY..................8 CVC at The Great NYS Fair................9 2012 NYSOA PAC Supporters...........1 6 2011 CVC Contributors.......................1 8 Photos from Optometry’s Meeting......2 0 Photos from Student Bowl...................2 2 Welcome New Members......................2 4 NYSOA Business Partners...................2 4 Contact Information.............................2 4
Prospectus (ISSN 1055-7407) is published by the New York State Optometric Association, Inc., 119 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor, Albany, NY 12210. Postage paid at Albany, New York. Yearly subscriptions $25.00, single copies $5.50. The views and opinions expressed are those of the signed author and in no way should be construed to reflect the opinions or position of the editorial staff of Prospectus, or the New York State Optometric Association, its officers, local affiliate societies, or administrative staff. All submissions are subject to editorial change with regard to clarity or length. Final decision regarding acceptance or rejection of any submission lies with the editor.
The people who work and volunteer for the American Optometric Association and the New York Optometric Association spend countless hours working to better and protect your Thomas Landry, OD profession. There are issues that need to be addressed daily and agendas that need to be kept up to date to allow you to go about the business of practicing Optometry. The things that organized Optometry does for you allow you to keep busy at your practice without having to worry about the events that will change our profession. The officers and staff are constantly asked what it is that the average member “gets” for their dues. I thought I would remind you of a few things you should be aware of that could affect your profession in the future. EHR Reimbursement The time left to file for your reimbursement for implementing Electronic Health Records in your office is running out. Optometrists have already received significant reimbursements from the government for using EHR systems. If you are using an EHR system in your office and have not filed for your payment, please contact the Albany office to find out how to do this. Optometric Involvement in Health Care Reform Aside from the inclusion of EHR reimbursement, the AOA has been very involved in Washington to make sure our profession is included in any major health care
reforms. The inclusion of eye care, including comprehensive eye exams for children, in health care plans has been fought for by our AOA staff in Washington. The work that the folks representing us in our nation’s capital do is worth every bit of your dues that goes to support them. The NYSOA has had an active voice in Albany during the planning of the state’s health care exchanges. Believe it or not, New York is one of the lead states for the implementation of the ACA. The inclusion of a children’s comprehensive eye exam as part of the benefit is a major victory for our profession. NYSOA’s legislative/legal team has done a great job keeping the officers informed of the planning and negotiations. Your trustees will continue to keep you informed of the changes as they occur. The Establishment of the Career Development Center at SUNY College of Optometry This program at the college will help students and practicing optometrists by helping them plan their practice, find/seek associates and help the students to understand what it is they should expect or look for after they graduate. The CDC has the support of Industry as well as organized optometry. The NYSOA has contributed financially to the CDC and has representatives on its Board. The NYSOA will continue to support the College and the students there in any way that we feel benefits the future of our organization. If this is the first you have heard of the CDC, please contact the college to see how you might help support our future.