Friday , Nov. 12.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Retina (event code Ret03). Presenter: Julia A. Haller, MD. This presentation takes place as part of Retina Subspecialty day. When: 9:36-9:42 a.m. (as part of Section II: Public Health, Education, and Business of Retina, 9:06-9:52 a.m.). Where: The Great Hall.
Saturday, Nov. 13
Diversity and Inclusion in the Ophthalmic Practice (event code 272). Senior instructor: Patricia Morris, MBA, COE. Diversity is not something that can be created overnight. It requires a leadership dedicated to increasing cultural awareness and inclusion. It requires coworkers who are willing to take the time to learn about each other. It means being willing to identify and address personal biases. And it means boldly opening ourselves up to discomfort for the greater good of our patients. This course suggests strategies to overcome bias and achieve inclusion. When: 3:45-5:00 p.m. Where: Room 211.
Sunday, Nov. 14
Diversity Task Force Researching Eye Health Care Equity Amidst Workforce Disparity (Sym23). Chairs:Anne Louise Coleman, MD, PhD, and Angela R. Elam, MD. The epidemiology of the major eye diseases and their impact on vision demonstrates significant variation by ethnicity and socioeconomic status in the United States. Similarly, the access to and availability of eye care is different in communities across our country. Projections indicate that without changes in our approach, visual impairment—including that due to refractive error—will increase by 2050. This symposium provides insights into the current state of, and possible actions to improve, visual health disparities, access to care, the relationship of workforce diversity to disparities, and the needs for education of the public, patients, and our profession. A framework for present and future action to utilize data sources, including the IRIS Registry, to measure and continuously improve access and quality eye care is essential to eliminate disparities and inequities in vision health. When: 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Where: New Orleans Theater C.
YO Program: Part III: Why Representation Matters: A New Era of Equity (Sym65). Chairs: Meron Haile, MD and Viraj J. Mehta, MD. In the third of a three-part YO Program, young ophthalmologists will hear from their peers on issues surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion. This includes discussions on how the Academy is embracing its LGBTQ community; a focus on health care disparities and opportunities to increase diversity in clinical trials; and presentations by the Academy’s 2020 and 2021 Artemis Award recipients, each of whom has demonstrated outstanding care to underserved communities. Finally, guest speaker and National Eye Institute Director Michael Chiang, MD will share how the NEI is addressing DEI as well as his vision for the Institute. Cosponsored by the Young Ophthalmologist (YO) Committee. When: 2:00-3:15 p.m. Where: Room 252--254.
Employee Recruitment and Retention Strategies That Champion Diversity (463). Senior instructor: Aimee Greeter. This interactive presentation (1) focuses on actionable strategies to champion diversity and inclusion in both physician and nonphysician employee and executive selection and retention, (2) relays first-hand examples from female and diverse health care constituents about what equitable opportunities, sponsorship, and promotion have meant for their careers and how they now apply their lessons learned and (3) discusses employment laws and compliance with applicable employment laws while recruiting employees from diverse backgrounds. When: 3:45-5:00 p.m. Where: Room 214.
Monday, Nov. 15
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Perspectives From Ophthalmology Leadership (Sym39). Chair: Usiwoma E. Abugo, MD. Ophthalmology departments remain among the least diverse clinical departments at U.S. medical schools, and the profession must address this lack of diversity among ophthalmologists and their support staff. This symposium brings together ophthalmology chairs, residency program directors, and leaders of our professional organizations in a roundtable. Cosponsored by the National Medical Association (NMA) Ophthalmology Section. When: 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Where: Room 243.
Achieving Health Equity in Glaucoma Care (Sym42). Chair:Yvonne Ou, MD. Growing evidence demonstrates the unequal impact of COVID-19 on ethnic minorities, including Black and Latinx Americans. Unfortunately, the burden of glaucoma in the United States also reflects the disproportionate impact of glaucoma on ethnic minorities. As such, is it imperative that ophthalmologists and eye care providers understand the impact of social determinants of health, recognize inequities in care, strive to follow best practices in medical education and clinical guidelines of care, and learn about innovative and nontraditional models of care delivery. Cosponsored by Prevent Blindness. When: 2:00-3:15 p.m. Where: Room 243.