2011 Wisconsin Optometric Association Convention, and Moving Forward
As the WOA leadership, members, and staff settle down from the whirlwind of our Annual Convention and Business Meeting, I would like to thank all attendees for supporting the WOA and for making our 2011 event a great success. Traveling and parking may have been a bit difficult for those coming and going, but for the most part, the activities surrounding the location during Oktoberfest were an added bonus.
In recognition of excellence in optometry, it is customary at each Convention that we present an award to our OD and Young OD of the Year. The Young OD of the Year for 2011 was Dr. Callie Enyart of Oregon, WI, and the OD of the Year was Dr. Michelle Harper of Sturgeon Bay. Congratulations to Drs. Enyart and Harper, and thank you for the all the work you do on behalf of optometry and the patients we serve. We also recognize the incoming WOA President as part of the President’s Luncheon at Convention. Your 2012 WOA President is Dr. Jeffrey Sarazen from Wausau. We look forward to an exciting year under Dr. Sarazen’s leadership and wish him well during his year as President.
A special thank you is in order for all doctors that understand the importance of supporting our WOA PCF and helping us not only meet, but exceed, our goal of $10,000. I realize that the economy is far from booming, but we cannot stop fighting for our profession. Recently, the WOA held two important meetings with the Wisconsin Director of Medicaid. The discussions essentially came down to the question of “how is the state going to make up the $550 Million Medicaid deficit?” We are fighting hard to make sure that vision and eye health services both remain a part of the essential benefits for our patients.
Please do not forget about our AOA PAC! Our state is far behind the other leading states when it comes to supporting our profession’s political efforts on a national level. Every week, issues pop up that require the immediate attention of our capable AOA D.C. staff in order to keep optometry practicing to the full extent of our scope and potential, as well as fight for proper reimbursement for our care. Just go to www.aoa.org; the AOA PAC is the first item listed on the right side column, under “Doctors.”
Our Primary Care Symposium is approaching fast on Nov. 11-12 in Wisconsin Dells. Remember also, that the biennium for continuing education ends this year. So, if you still need some hours, this is a great venue in which to obtain quality education and provide plenty of fun for the kids or grandkids.
There is another Board Certification examination coming up on Nov. 28th - Dec 11th. Don’t forget about the AOA’s EyeLearn program for reviewing information and testing your knowledge base. You don’t have to sign up for Board Certification to be a part of the EyeLearn programs; they are free for WOA/AOA members. Just go to aoa.org/eyelearn.
For those of you that are reporting to PQRS and getting the Medicare incentives, the AOA Board Certification program is now recognized by CMS/Medicare and is giving these doctors an additional 0.5% incentive. Regardless of whether or not we want to participate in these programs, our government is continuing to move forward in implementing quality measures for payment.
For a detailed guide to PQRS, go to the WOA Website at www.woa-eyes.org, and click the Member Login to go to the member side of the site. Under Highlights and Events, you will see PQRS - 2011 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS). Click on “Read Article.” You will find the WOA 2011 PQRS Summary.pdf.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Slaby, O.D.
WOA President
