Ophthalmic organization pledges support for EyeCare America programs

The Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology has passed a resolution aimed at boosting volunteer participation in EyeCare America, a nonprofit service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, EyeCare America announced in a press release.

The resolution was passed by the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) during its annual meeting this month. It is intended to help faculty in ophthalmology departments participate in EyeCare America's public service programs by empowering them and their department chairs to request support from deans and financial officers, according to the release.

"Despite a unique ruling from the Inspector General allowing volunteers to legally waive co-pay and deductible requirements for up to 15 patients annually referred by EyeCare America, some academic medical centers have not allowed their faculty to waive any fees," the release said. "This effectively bars those ophthalmology departments from participation in these worthwhile public service efforts."

Many junior faculty members also receive permission from department chairs to participate in EyeCare America programs, but are barred from participation by chief financial officers who deny waiving facility fees, the release said.

The AUPO resolution stated: "The AUPO supports the participation of faculty of departments of ophthalmology in the public service programs of EyeCare America, a division of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Armed with this resolution, interested faculty and their chairs can approach deans and institutional financial officers to enable their participation as volunteers, alongside their community colleagues."