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Keynote speaker urges ophthalmologists to collaborate with optometrists
ATLANTA — The keynote speaker here at the American Academy of Ophthalmology urged his colleagues to consider more collaboration with optometry while creating more value in their own specialty.
 Harvey V. Fineberg, MD, PhD, was the keynote speaker at this year’s meeting in Atlanta. Image: Altersitz K, OSN |
"It's time for a truce in the hundred years' war between ophthalmology and optometry," Harvey V. Fineberg, MD, PhD, said during the opening session here. "It's time to stop harping endlessly on what optometrists cannot do and to begin thinking critically and effectively and working to begin figuring out what optometrists can do."
As health care faces various economic and demographic changes and challenges, ophthalmology is poised to take the lead in meeting those challenges, he said.
"I believe that ophthalmology has an opportunity not only to play a part in the solution but to be an exemplar for health care moving ahead to meet these challenges," Dr. Fineberg said.
Health care specialties need a renewed commitment to research and innovation, Dr. Fineberg said.
"This innovation must be aimed not only at improving quality yet but must also be aimed simultaneously at increasing value, doing more for less, organization," he said.