I am deeply honored to be nominated as the chair of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Council. During my service on the Council, as a former councilor representing the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the current vice chair, we have been faced with many challenges, including the increased burden of documentation and regulation, reimbursement cuts, payment reforms and scope-of-practice expansion by nonophthalmologists, among others.
In dealing with these challenges, I believe that many opportunities have also arisen for the Academy. We have become more united, committed, and innovative in our approach and strategies to protect our patients and profession. If elected, I will continue this momentum and commitment and be the members’ voice on the board.
My career journey in academic medicine has given me an insight into and understanding of maintaining excellence and balance in patient care, research, and education. Currently, I am professor of ophthalmology, vice chair of clinical and academic affairs and director of glaucoma service at Tufts University.
As a graduate of the Academy’s Leadership Development Program, I have been actively involved with many of its educational and leadership initiatives. Currently, I serve on the editorial boards of Focal Points (the most heavily subscribed CME publication of the Academy) and EyeNet Magazine, Myopia Task Force and as a co-leader of Childhood Glaucoma Section of Pyott Glaucoma Education Center. I served as the lead section editor for glaucoma for EyeWiki, the Academy’s first online ophthalmic encyclopedia (2010-16). This important educational resource is expected to exceed 8.4 million annual views in 2019. While working on the Digital Media Committee (2009-14), we completed the first glaucoma surgical DVD to keep glaucoma surgeons up to date with surgical advances and skills. As a Glaucoma Compass Committee member (2007-14), I contributed didactic CME material to sustain professional competence.
I have represented the Academy as the young surgeon representative to the American College of Surgeons (2008-2013). I have also been a strong advocate for my patients and colleagues at both state and federal levels and have regularly visited legislators. As for my contributions to the Academy, I have received the Senior Achievement Award (2017), Award for Exemplary Contributions as Glaucoma Section Lead Editor of EyeWiki (2010, 2016), Special Recognition Award (2013), Secretariat Award (2011), Achievement Award (2011), Leadership Development Award (2010) and Leo Award (2008).
Other leadership positions have been service on the boards of directors of several state ophthalmological societies (Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Wisconsin), the Commission on Accreditation of Ophthalmic Medical Programs and Women in Ophthalmology. I have served as a program chair for 12 state society annual meetings. Currently, I am a member of the Program Planning Committee and a commissioner to the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO) for the American Glaucoma Society. I have also contributed to the American Board of Ophthalmology (Glaucoma Exam Development Committee, Content Outline Committee and as an oral board examiner).
I would be honored to use my knowledge, experience, skill sets, and a broad perspective in understanding the needs of each organization’s membership and in facilitating communication and coordination between them and the Academy’s board. I look forward to contributing further as the chair of the Council.