November is National Diabetes Awareness Month!
November is recognized by WOA as National Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a condition that each of us deals with on a daily basis in our practices and even in our personal lives. Coinciding with this, the WOA is continuing to grow in our public awareness efforts. We are pressing our media contacts to include more coverage for local OD’s in their area publications and to conduct radio interviews with member doctors. Having a topic like Diabetes Awareness makes the scheduling of interviews like these a relatively easy thing to do. Remember, if you have an opportunity to work with your local media, please contact the WOA for their assistance. As public awareness does extend beyond the media, we also want to be aware of the public service and volunteer works performed by our members, as well as utilize our political contacts and the connections WOA has established with the WI public school districts to spread awareness of optometric services and the importance of proper vision and eye health in multiple facets of everyday life.
If you are interested in helping the WOA and even yourself to get some local recognition, you can call the WOA office. They can assist in getting you talking point materials and contacts to the media outlets, as well as creating customized press releases for your use. Unfortunately, there remains some confusion in the public as to exactly what optometrists do besides prescribing glasses and contact lenses. By taking a proactive role in informing the media and public about our profession, you will further both your cause and that of the WOA in increasing public awareness about optometry as an exceptional profession. We would love for you to let the WOA office know of any individual coverage you have received so that we are able to track this along with our other endeavors.
The federal government is continuing to work on the details of implementing the Health Care Act. Part of their task is to define the “Essential Vision Care Benefit for Children” as stated in this legislation. The AOA continues to contact and meet with our government leaders to encourage them to define this benefit as a comprehensive exam and not simply a screening. We will continue to keep you informed of any changes, as the Government moves forward with Health Care Reform implementation.
It is unfortunate to see that my previous requests for financial support to the AOA PAC from WI ODs have yet to meet with much resolve. WI is still falling low on the list of federal support to uphold all the hard work that has been done to keep optometry strong. Please consider giving your support on both the state and federal levels, if you have not done this yet.
On a positive note, it is wonderful to see a small, yet significant increase in member ODs stepping up to volunteer their time and talents at the Walker’s Point Community Clinic (WPCC) in Milwaukee. Many lives are benefitted by this clinic and the services that ODs can provide to needy patients. I personally want to thank those of you that have signed up to volunteer.
In closing, I wish each of you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Slaby, O.D.
2011 WOA President
