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Task force recommends adding educational track for optometrists at ASCRS meeting
The Integrated Ophthalmic-Managed Eyecare Delivery Task Force has recommended adding educational programs for optometrists at the 2013 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting in San Francisco, according to a news release. However, the task force recommended against adding a new membership category for optometrists within ASCRS.
The new educational track will be designed to promote an integrated eye care model and will give optometrists an opportunity to earn continuing education credits and attend a job fair, according to the release.
“This careful and conservative approach will lead to a more full integration and collaboration between optometrists and ophthalmologists as we prepare to meet patient needs in a fast-changing health care environment,” Stephen S. Lane, MD, task force chairman and member of the ASCRS governing board, said in the release.
The task force includes three representatives from ophthalmology and five from optometry. It was formed earlier this year to explore ways to advance an integrated eye care delivery model based on a collaborative relationship between ophthalmology and optometry. The model will promote increased coordination of care and efficiency for ophthalmologists and optometrists working together as they address anticipated changes in Medicare and a surge in Medicare beneficiaries, the release said.