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AAO calls on members to participate in health care reform conversation
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SAN FRANCISCO — While the Academy of Ophthalmology remains committed to physician education and advocacy programs, the pending health care reform efforts now taking place are the predominant issue affecting ophthalmologists, the Academy's Executive Vice President said.
 David W. Parke II |
"More so than in any time in the history of the Academy, events in Washington are poised to reshape the practice of our profession, the lives of ophthalmologists and the lives of our patients," David W. Parke II, MD, said during the opening session of the joint meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology.
Ophthalmologists comprise less than 3% of practicing physicians in the United States, but the AAO nonetheless maintains one of the strongest and largest political advocacy programs in medicine, Dr. Parke said.
While recognizing a need for reform in healthcare, especially as it relates to physician compensation, the Academy has so far not officially endorsed any of the plans currently circulating in Washington, Dr. Parke said. The AAO will remain committed to negotiating the details of any proposed reform initiatives to the benefit of ophthalmologists, but, Dr. Parke said, the effort will only succeed with the active involvement of members.
"Never in the history of the Academy have the debates in Washington been this critical to our future," Dr. Parke said.