Issue: May 2016
May 07, 2016
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New president encourages members to be more engaged, involved in ASCRS

Issue: May 2016
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NEW ORLEANS — The field of health care is changing, and members need to get engaged and involved in the Society’s initiatives to improve health care for patients, Kerry D. Solomon, MD, said during his president’s address at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting.

“You’ll have my commitment that I will work to facilitate better communication among us. I’ll work hard to get all of us more engaged and involved in ASCRS,” Solomon said. “What I’m asking for today is your commitment to follow my lead and get involved and be generous with your talents.”

Kerry D. Solomon

For members to become more involved in ASCRS, they need to change the way they communicate with each other, Solomon said.

“If we can make communicating with each other as easy as our kids text or [use] Instagram, then perhaps more of us will get involved with ASCRS,” he said.

In an effort to improve communication, ASCRS has launched a new meeting app called ASCRS/ASOA 365.

“It’s more than just a meeting app; it’s a means to communicate 365 days all year long,” Solomon said.

The app features an activity feed wherein members can share photos and thoughts of their meeting experience.

ASCRS has also updated its Center for Learning resource on the Association’s website, where ophthalmology resources are digitized and easily accessed by members.

“The Center for Learning is a place where we can all go to learn about virtually anything in the field and view exclusive member-only content,” Solomon said.

In addition, ASCRS has formed a new group called the Counsel of 100 “to elicit more feedback from the members and help provide guidance and clarity on important issues impacting the society and ophthalmology,” he said.

Solomon stressed that this is a critical time in health care. There will be significant changes to Medicare reimbursement coming in the near future, which will affect patients and practices, he said.

“ASCRS has been at the forefront of some key legislative and regulatory accomplishments, and we have been effective; however, we must remain vigilant. We all need to contribute our dollars and our time now.” Solomon said. – by Nhu Te

Reference:

Solomon KD. Presidents’ addresses. Presented at: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting; May 6-10, 2016; New Orleans.

Disclosure: Solomon reports he has financial interests with Alcon Laboratories, AqueSys, Glaukos and Mati Therapeutics.