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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Four Researchers Win IRIS Registry Research Grants
In August, Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) and the Academy announced the recipients of the Award for IRIS Registry Research. Each awardee receives a grant to conduct population-based studies in ophthalmology and blindness prevention, using the IRIS Registry. The winners and their research projects are as follows:
Eric Crowell, MD, Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, will study the rates of visual impairment and blindness in patients with uveitis and evaluate any disparities by race, ethnicity, and indicators of socioeconomic status;
Mary Hoehn, MD, Hamilton Eye Institute of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, will study strabismus surgery outcomes in patients with strabismic amblyopia in order to understand the factors that contribute to visual acuity outcomes;
Ang Li, MD, Cole Eye Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, will study the factors that are associated with success or failure of goniotomy as measured in postoperative IOP outcomes, including patient characteristics, glaucoma type and severity, and postoperative medications;
Matthew Starr, MD, Department of Ophthalmology of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, will evaluate the rate of endophthalmitis following pars plana vitrectomy and the risk factors associated with the development of endophthalmitis.
“We expect this research will reveal new insights that will advance eye care, especially in patients from diverse backgrounds,” said Academy CEO Stephen D. McLeod, MD. “We are pleased to partner again with RPB in this effort to promote big data research for the benefit of all patients.”
Four more grants will be awarded in 2024. The application process will open next month.
Learn more at aao.org/rpb-grants.
TAKE NOTICE
Join the Ophthalmology Virtual Journal Club, Oct. 12
The third installment of this year’s Ophthalmology Virtual Journal Club will feature two articles on posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) published in Ophthalmology Retina:
- “Timing of Delayed Retinal Pathology in Patients Presenting With Acute Posterior Vitreous Detachment in the IRIS Registry” by Vangipuram et al., and
- “Analysis of Posterior Vitreous Detachment and Development of Complications Using a Large Database of Retina Specialists” by Patel et al.
Join Sharon D. Solomon, MD, and Andrew R. Carey, MD, on Thursday, Oct. 12, 8:30-9:30 p.m. ET as they discuss the key findings and implications of the featured articles. The studies emphasize the potentially devastating consequences when PVD is managed inappropriately and how a clinically significant proportion of PVD-related complications are detected late.
Register by using your Academy login at store.aao.org/ophthalmology-virtual-journal-club.html. The journal club is a member benefit.
Ophthalmology Science Adds New Article Category
The Academy’s open access journal, Ophthalmology Science, has introduced “Data Science,” which is a research paper category focused on dataset presentation, interpretation, and data sharing. The goal of this new manuscript category is to help improve collection of datasets and increase their visibility and accessibility for all researchers. Ophthalmology Science welcomes submissions of detailed descriptions of datasets from clinical trials, population-based studies, electronic medical records, basic science laboratory findings, genomic data, and all ophthalmic images, including functional test images. Open access fees will be waived.
To learn more, go to ophthalmologyscience.org to read an editorial by Ophthalmology Science Editor-in-Chief Emily Y. Chew, MD, titled “Publication of Datasets, a Step Towards Advancing Data Science.”
Apply for Aging Research Funding
Early career physician-scientists trained in medical or surgical specialties are eligible for grants for geriatric-focused research from the program Grants for Early Medical/Surgical Specialists’ Transition to Aging Research (GEMSSTAR). The award is targeted to early-career faculty members who have recently completed their training and are embarking on a career in clinical aging research in their specialty area. Applications are due by Oct. 30.
Apply at aao.org/aging-research-funding.
MIPS Alert! Don’t Miss These Upcoming Deadlines
If you are participating in the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), note two upcoming deadlines.
By Oct. 3, start your 90-day performance period. You must perform improvement activities and promoting interoperability measures for at least 90 consecutive days. (The performance period for quality measures and cost measures is the full calendar year.)
Reading this after Oct. 3? There are some improvement activities that your practice may have been performing and documenting as a matter of course. To review the improvement activities that are most relevant to ophthalmology, visit aao.org/medicare/improvement-activities.
By Oct. 31, sign up to use the IRIS Registry for MIPS reporting via manual data entry. If you were signed up for IRIS Registry manual reporting in 2022 and are still in the same practice, there is no need to register again for 2023. If you do need to sign up, you can learn about the application process at aao.org/iris-registry/application-process.
By Nov. 30, submit IRIS Registry–EHR mapping refinement requests. If you are reporting MIPS via IRIS Registry–EHR integration, do a spot check to make sure that your chosen quality measures are mapped correctly. If you spot a problem, you have until Nov. 30 to request a mapping refinement.
For more information about MIPS and the IRIS Registry, visit aao.org/medicare/mips and aao.org/iris-registry, respectively.
ACADEMY RESOURCES
New Features: AAO Ophthalmic Education App
You can now stream the Academy’s podcasts, Experts InSight and the Ophthalmology Journal, directly from the updated AAO Ophthalmic Education App. While most of the apps’ resources are open access, Academy membership grants you access to the updated eighth edition of The Wills Eye Manual, as well “Diagnose This!” quizzes. The app is available for both Apple iOS and Android devices.
Download or update the free app today at aao.org/education-app.
Attend Core Knowledge Glaucoma Webinar
On Oct. 26, 8:00-10:00 p.m. ET, join moderators Jeffrey D. Henderer, MD, and Amenze Osa Oriaifo, MD, for a webinar titled “Core Knowledge Glaucoma” (2 CME credits). You’ll learn to identify gaps in care and target areas for clinical practice assessment and improvement. This Academy program was developed in coordination with the American Glaucoma Society (AGS) and is free to Academy and AGS members.
Learn more at aao.org/clinical-webinars.
Kirk H. Packo, MD, Retina Specialist and ASRS Leader, Dies at 71
Kirk H. Packo, MD, FACS, FASRS, passed away on Sept. 1. He was a retina specialist in Illinois for 40 years and professor and chair of the department of ophthalmology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago from 2004 until his retirement last year. Well-known for his lively presentations, Dr. Packo also was awarded many patents and was pivotal in bringing intraocular gases into commercial use. He served on several Academy committees, received the Lifetime Achievement Honor Award in 2015, and was recognized as a Guest of Honor at AAO 2019 by then-President George A. Williams, MD. In 2001, as president of the Vitreous Society, Dr. Packo led its transition into the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS). In 2019, he received the inaugural Packo Award for exceptional service to ASRS. Dr. Williams said, “As a surgeon, educator, and patient advocate, Dr. Packo embodied the essence of protecting sight and empowering lives on a daily basis.”
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FOR THE RECORD
Annual Business Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Business Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology will be held during the AAO 2023 Opening Session, which is on Saturday, Nov. 4, in the Esplanade Ballroom at the Moscone Convention Center, in San Francisco, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. PT.
CANDIDATES’ VIEWS
MICHAEL X. REPKA, MD, MBA
Candidate for President-Elect
Career. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Pediatric Neuro-ophthalmology. Jefferson Medical College. Resident at Wills Eye Hospital. Fellowships in Neuro-ophthalmology and Pediatric Ophthalmology at Wilmer. Currently practicing at Wilmer Eye Institute (David L. Guyton, MD, and Feduniak Family Professor of Ophthalmology).
Academy service. Academy CPT advisor to AMA. Coding Committee. Federal Economic Policy Committee. Health Policy Committee. Secretary for Federal Affairs. Academy Medical Director for Governmental Affairs. Pediatric Preferred Practice Panel. Editorial boards of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Retina, and EyeNet.
Goals. To advocate for adequate coverage and reimbursement of effective eye care for our patients while encouraging implementation of innovative treatments and removal of barriers to care such as prior authorization and step therapy. To work with Academy staff and other physician groups to promote physician payment reform in Medicare by Congress. To support the continued enhancement of Academy practice management strategies and innovative continuing education of members and their care delivery teams.
GEORGE A. WILLIAMS, MD
Candidate for Senior Secretary for Advocacy
Career. Vitreoretinal surgeon since 1984 in both full-time academic and private practice. Associated Retinal Consultants, Royal Oak, Michigan; Professor and Chair of Ophthalmology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine; Director, Beaumont Eye Institute. Trained 120 residents; 75 fellows.
Academy service. Senior Secretary for Advocacy, 2021-2023. President, 2019; Secretary, Federal Affairs 2014-2017; Trustee-at-large, 2009-2012; Academy representative to the AMA RUC, 2009-2018. Past President: Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS). Member: Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology, Retina Society, Macula Society, ASRS, Club Jules Gonin, Dowling Society. Fellow of ARVO. Chair, OMIC Board of Directors 2016-2018. Grandfathered ABO diplomate in 1983, recertified in 2005, 2016. Goal. To work with all stakeholders to further the Academy’s mission of protecting sight and empowering lives through patient-centered advocacy.
LAURA K. GREEN, MD, FACS
Candidate for Trustee-at-Large
Career. William and Mary Undergraduate; Vanderbilt Medical School; Harvard/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Residency; Wilmer Cornea Fellowship. Residency Program Director at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore/Krieger Eye Institute, 2010-present. 2022 Straatsma Award for Excellence in Resident Education. Chair, ACGME Review Committee for Ophthalmology. Former President AUPO Program Directors Council, 2020-2021. Founding member and current chair, Sinai Hospital Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness (IDEA) subcommittee of the Graduate Medical Education Committee. American Board of Ophthalmology Examiner.
Academy service. Academy Secretariat for State Affairs (Associate Secretary, 2021-present, member 2017-2020). Academy Committee for Resident Education (chair 2018-2021, member 2014-2017). Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program mentor. Academy Leadership Development Program XVIII (2016).
Goal. To serve all members of the Academy, especially educators and trainees, focusing on fostering innovation in our field in order to protect sight and empower lives.
ERIN M. SHRIVER, MD
Candidate for Trustee-at-Large
Career. Pomona College; Stanford School of Medicine; University of Iowa Ophthalmology Residency; ASOPRS Fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Faculty position previously at Bascom Palmer and currently Clinical Professor, the Jim O’Brien Gross and Donnita Gross Chair in Ophthalmology, and Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs within University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Active in clinical practice, teaching, research, and advocacy.
Academy service. Interim Academy Governor to the American College of Surgeons Board of Governors; Academy DEI Task Force; ASOPRS AMA Delegate within the Ophthalmology Section; Iowa Academy of Ophthalmology Past Pres-ident and Academy Councilor; Academy LDP 2017.
Goal. To engage ophthalmologists from diverse backgrounds, locations, practice types, and subspecialties to ensure the Academy continues to represent all of us and serve in the best interest of our profession and our patients. To continue to build bridges and connections between ophthalmology and the house of medicine.
PREM S. SUBRAMANIAN, MD, PHD
Candidate for Council Chair
Career. Clifford R. and Janice N. Merrill Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology, Vice Chair for Academic Affairs, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers University of Colorado Eye Center. Residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center; neuro-ophthalmology fellowship, Wilmer Eye Institute. Entered academic neuro-ophthalmology and orbital/strabismus surgical practice after completing military service. Leadership of North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society since 2012 (current President), patient advocacy through NANOS as well as state societies including publication of scientific articles highlighting the challenges faced by physicians caring for patients with complex eye disease.
Academy service. Committees (Digital Media, Self-Assessment, BCSC 5, Council Subspecialty Section Nominating Committee), Educational Activities (Co-director of Neuro-Ophthalmology Subspecialty Day since 2015, organizer of Annual Meeting Symposia since 2013), NANOS Academy Councilor, Council Vice Chair.
Goal. To enhance collaboration between state and subspecialty society Councilors, promote overall engagement amongst Councilors, and represent the priorities of the Council at the Board of Trustees level.
LEE A. SNYDER, MD
Candidate for Council Vice Chair
Career. Medical School, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Residency and Fellowship in Cornea and External Disease, Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital; Wilmer Distinguished Alumna Award (2018). Currently in private practice in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to clinical practice, I have devoted my career to advocating for patients and the profession of ophthalmology and to inspiring residents, fellows, and colleagues to become advocates.
Academy service. Current Roles: Chair, Academy Surgical Scope Fund Committee; Academy Councilor, Maryland Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (MSEPS); Deputy Section Leader, Academy Council State Section. Past Roles: Council State Section Representative to Academy Nominating Committee (2020); Academy Membership Task Force (2019); MSEPS President (2016-2017); Academy Leadership Development Program (2012-2013).
Goal. To champion our profession, address the needs of practicing ophthalmologists, seek ways to improve access to high-quality medical and surgical care for our patients, and ensure that diverse voices from state and subspecialty societies are amplified.
D.C. REPORT
Three Issues Driving Instability in Physician Payment
In July, CMS published its proposals for the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, and three issues are creating uncertainty around physician reimbursement. The Academy will continue to work with other medical societies ahead of the final rules release in late fall to highlight how these issues lead to instability for patients.
Long-standing pattern. CMS proposed cutting 2024 Medicare physician payments by at least 3.36%. This cut would have been worse, if not for a one-year 1.25% payment increase for 2024 that Congress passed last year. The 3.36% cut extends a yearslong pattern of decreases, even as medical inflation continues to grow.
Some of these cuts stem from budget-neutrality requirements that only Congress can change. The Academy continues to work with the American Medical Association (AMA) and ophthalmology’s congressional champions to push for legislation that would provide an annual inflation update equal to the Medicare Economic Index for Medicare physician payments.
Flawed complexity code. Due to budget neutrality, most of the proposed 2024 cut comes from a flawed CMS initiative that Congress previously delayed for three years thanks to a successful challenge by the Academy, the AMA, and other groups. However, this year, CMS wants to try again: it proposes to implement the complexity add-on code, G2211.
As the Academy and its partners have repeatedly argued, G2211 duplicates complexity already built into evaluation and management coding changes that were implemented in 2021. Implementing G2211 seeks to solve a problem that no longer exists. Meanwhile, CMS still hasn’t corrected its unequal payment for postoperative services included in the global period of surgical codes.
MIPS challenges. In the last key area of concern, CMS proposed raising the performance threshold to avoid a penalty in the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). By law, physicians who score below the MIPS threshold face penalties of up to 9% in 2026. CMS wants to increase the 2024 performance threshold by seven points, up to 82, even though CMS projects that half of clinicians will fail under the new cutoff.