Gregory L. Skuta, MD

Although the American Academy of Ophthalmology has been highly active and successful in a variety of arenas, education always has been and should continue to be our very highest priority. It therefore has been an extraordinary privilege to serve as the Academy’s Senior Secretary for Clinical Education and is an honor to be nominated to serve for a second three-year term.

The Academy’s educational programs are broad and consistently outstanding in quality. As a prime example, the Basic and Clinical Science Course remains an established and vital educational instrument for residents and experienced practitioners alike. Recently, we have devoted particular emphasis toward (1) meeting the needs of our members who are participating in the American Board of Ophthalmology’s (ABO’s) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process; (2) further developing our Web-based educational offerings; and, in an era of increasing globalization, (3) ensuring that we offer programs that address the needs of the worldwide ophthalmologic community. Indeed, the development and launch in November 2007 of the Ophthalmic News and Education (O.N.E.) Network have been vital to advancing the breadth, quality, and reach of our educational programs. Other initiatives are underway to enhance our ability to deliver evidence-based eye care, to continually improve clinical and surgical practice (a key goal of all of our educational programs), and to ensure that our patients receive the highest possible quality of eye care.

As an active clinician, surgeon, and medical educator who continues to actively participate in the MOC process, I am familiar with both the opportunities and challenges associated with lifelong learning. My experience as a former chair of the Academy’s Self-Assessment Committee (1993-1998), which produced the ProVision programs, as a member of the Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP) Committee (1999-2000), and as Secretary for Ophthalmic Knowledge (2001-2006) provided valuable insights and preparation for my current role. Service as President of the American Glaucoma Society (2005-2006), as a Director of the American Board of Ophthalmology (2001-2008), and as a Director-at-Large for the Oklahoma Academy of Ophthalmology (1993-1999) also has broadened my perspective and experience. In addition, the opportunity to serve on the Academy Awards Committee has only strengthened my respect and admiration for the hundreds of Academy members who willingly volunteer their time, energy, talents, and resources to support the Academy’s mission “to enhance lifelong learning…of ophthalmologists (Eye MDs) ensuring that the public can obtain the best possible eye care.”

If re-elected as Senior Secretary for Clinical Education, I can affirm my unwavering commitment to serve as a vigilant guardian of the Academy’s educational programs and as a tireless advocate for goals and initiatives that will enhance our ability to continuously improve the care provided to our patients both nationally and internationally. Working together with the Academy’s outstanding leadership, staff, and volunteers, I firmly believe that our educational future remains promising and bright.