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AOA inducts Loomis as president
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SEATTLE – Steven A. Loomis, OD, assumed the presidency of the American Optometric Association here at Optometry’s Meeting.
Among a number of challenges and responsibilities today’s optometrist faces, Loomis, who resides in Colorado, pointed to an “unprecedented demand” for eye care in his address to the AOA House of Delegates.
“About a year ago, something happened while we were sleeping in the spring of 2014: the number of Americans age 65 to 85 exceeded the number of Americans age 45 to 65,” he said. “This will have aftershocks on our economy and way of life for many years.
“All of us who care for patients understand the implications of an aging population,” he continued. “The incidence of glaucoma, cataract and age-related macular degeneration will increase dramatically. Ophthalmological residencies are flat, if not diminishing. The conclusion is inescapable – our members will be called upon to meet the demand for eye care that is unprecedented.”
Looms said that 77% of optometrists are now either treating or comanaging glaucoma, and 76% comanage dry AMD. Seventy-five percent of AOA members say they manage diabetic retinopathy, and more than 66% said they were the first provider to diagnose diabetes in a patient.
Steven A. Loomis
“Over 1.1 million glaucoma patients were treated by their OD in 2014,” he continued. “A quarter of a million diabetics were identified primarily by their family optometrist. Our patients need our care in a way we’ve never experienced.”
Loomis listed a number of ongoing battles the AOA faces: supporting state affiliates in the quest for uniform scope of practice; implementation of the children’s essential vision benefit as part of the Affordable Care Act; upholding the Harkin Amendment; recruiting new graduates into membership; assisting the states on insurance reform; and integration into electronic medical records, meaningful use and Affordable Care Organizations.
“We will continue to advocate for our right to use all available technologies to serve our patients’ needs,” he said. “However, the notion that eye care can be delivered from an iPhone or that contact lens materials need no specifications was unimaginable years ago. Patients are being intentionally misled that such things are safe.”
Loomis said the AOA “will strongly support our members and you as affiliate leaders in providing education and tools to make these transitions. That’s why we created our own registry, MORE. It will be one of the best member benefits ever provided.
“We must educate legislators, third-party carriers and sometimes even our own members about this profession and the pivotal role we now play and why we need their help to continue to play that role in the future,” he continued. “The jobs ahead of us are great, and sometimes it feels our profession is under pressure from every side.”
Outgoing president David A. Cockrell, OD, of Oklahoma, moved into the role of immediate past president. Andrea P. Thau, OD, of New York, was elected to serve in the president-elect role that Loomis vacated. Christopher J. Quinn, OD, of New Jersey, was elected vice president, and Samuel D. Pierce, OD, of Alabama, was elected secretary-treasurer.
Ronald L. Benner, OD, of Montana, was newly elected to the AOA Board of Trustees. James P. DeVleming, OD, of Washington, and William T. Reynolds, OD, of Kentucky, were re-elected as trustees.
Gregory A. Caldwell, OD, of Pennsylvania; Barbara L. Horn, OD, of Michigan; and Robert C. Layman, OD, of Ohio, continue their existing terms as trustees. – by Nancy Hemphill, ELS, FAAO
Disclosures: The AOA board members report no financial disclosures.