Volume 37 Number 4 2011
prospectus A Message from Your NYSOA President INSIDE THIS ISSUE Federal Health Reform............................2 Upcoming Meetings & Events.............2 Lobby Day 2011 Photos.......................3 Win a Trip to Vision Expo West!........4 Board Certification: My Experience....5 Classified Ads.......................................5 Welcome New Members!........................7 Congrats SUNY Graduates!.................... 8 A Successful Climb..............................1 0 2011 NYSOA PAC Supporters............1 4 2011 CVC Contributors.......................1 5 House of Delegates Photos...................1 6 Keuka Lake Wine Tour Photos............1 8 Annual Banquet & Awards Photos . ...2 0 VEE Student Program Photos.............2 2 Student Summit Photos.......................2 3 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.
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All across the country, our colleagues are feeling the effects of the economy over the past few years. When I attend an AOA meeting or PCO alumnus function, the conversation inevitably turns to the topic of the Thomas Landry, OD economy. Almost all of our Optometric colleagues are noticing a change in how their patients are choosing to spend their health care dollars in their office. Very few of us are isolated from this effect. We have all noticed in recent years that patients are choosing to come in to our offices less often, opting to not upgrade their eyewear or postponing elective procedures and tests.
Do you know the timetable the government has set for you take advantage of EHR financial incentives?
Do you know what the present economy means for your practice and for our industry/profession in the next few years?
If you do not know the accurate answer to any of these questions, your local and state officers, as well as the NYSOA staff in Albany want to help you become better informed. We are working to improve communications with our membership by whatever means necessary. I expect one of your state officers will be able to attend one of your society meetings before the end of 2011 to address any of these issues. We are working hard on many issues affecting your ability to practice your profession as you choose and continue to deliver the high quality eye care your patients deserve and expect.
As health care providers, we also need to be aware how health care reform regulations will affect our ability to continue to provide quality eye care to our patients. Many of us must be conscious of how these regulations will influence us as business owners and employers. Do you know what the Harken Amendment is and how the AOA was crucial in securing this so that we can continue to be involved in providing comprehensive eye care for our patients? The NYSOA office is receiving inquiries almost daily regarding electronic health records and their utilization in our practices. This is an issue that has been on our agenda for many years. Most of us should be well entrenched in the EHR mode in our offices by now.
Do you know what the “Red Flag Rule” is? Do you know how AOA worked for you so that this would not drastically affect your practice? Do you know why many new graduates from Optometry Schools are choosing to practice where they practice? By now I am sure you are aware of the new Optometry schools opening across the country. Will this lower the “quality” of our future colleagues? Has there been a recent manpower study done for our profession to see if the increase in Optometric graduates is needed?
NOW MORE THAN EVER—we need all of the Optometrists in New York aware and involved with these issues. We must stay involved and united in our profession. We need a voice speaking for all of us in Albany and Washington, D.C. The AOA and the NYSOA are the only organizations that are capable of watching out for all of us. Please stay involved and help your NYSOA to continue to watch out for our profession.