Reasons to be thankful

As I face the end of my year as president of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association, I reflect on all the things for which I am thankful. No, the end of my presidency is not one of them. I face the movement from president to immediate past president with many mixed emotions. I am proud and honored to have represented all of you during this past year and look forward to the new roles I may play in our profession.

I am very thankful for the fact that HB 838 was stopped. Thank you to the Legislative Affairs Committee under the leadership of Dr. Bob Bittel, the POA Board of Directors, the POA staff (especially Dr. Charles Stuckey), our lobbyists, and you the members, for all your hard work and dedication to defeat this bill. As a result of this effort, our keyperson system and POPAC divisions are stronger. We still have work to do, so I hope you will all stay involved. Keep meeting with your senators and representatives. Attend their fundraisers and give to POPAC. I am sure Dr. Robert Owens will have further directions during the upcoming year.

Many thanks to all the chairs and members of my Table of Organization. It may seem that other activities were not as important as defeating HB 838. But, believe me, all your efforts were appreciated. If you have not received your new POA diabetic eye health poster from the Diabetes Task Force, attend a local society meeting or POA function to get yours soon. It is awesome!! The Third Party Center and Communications Division are also to be commended this year. Everyone’s hard work makes the POA what it is. The state optometric associations across the country vary in size, structure and activity, but the POA is equal if not superior to the best ones.

Being an optometrist allows me to be thankful for all the material comforts I can provide for myself and my family. Recently, a non-POA member optometrist stated that she could not afford to be a member of the POA. We, the Board, discussed how to get the message out to non-members. Can you practice optometry without the necessary equipment, such as a phoropter or biomicroscope? These items enable us to earn income. The advocacy of organized optometry has allowed us to provide more services and therefore to earn more. I know a previous editorial emphasized membership, but the message is not getting out to our non-member colleagues. Ask all optometrists to determine how much income is derived from Medicare, medical plans, medical procedures and quality service incentives. This income is possible for optometry due to organized optometry. How can they afford not to be a member?

I have previously mentioned that I never really had an interest in being involved in the leadership of organized optometry. I thank my friends, previous presidents of the POA and fellow members of Northeastern Pennsylvania Optometric Society, Dr. Barb Yanak and Dr. Carl Urbanski, for encouraging me to become involved. I am definitely more informed and a better optometrist as a result of my involvement in the POA. I encourage you to also consider becoming more involved at the local and state level. Trust me, you will not regret it.

During my past six years on the POA Board of Directors, I have faced the death of both my parents and my father-in-law. My husband has experienced two strokes and a carotid endarterectomy. The friendships I have made as a result of my involvement in the POA have helped tremendously. Thank you to the POA staff and Board members for being there for moral support and compassion. As a graduate of ICO, I did not know many optometrists across the state. I can now say that some of my best friends in optometry come from different parts of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I am thankful for getting to know these dedicated individuals who serve our profession.

At the recent POA planning session held in Hershey, a lot of time was spent on complimenting people on their accomplishments. The reasoning is simple; we have very dedicated individuals involved in the POA. First the staff – Dr. Charles Stuckey was honored a few years ago for being the best executive director in optometry. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work closely with him this year. While attending AOA activities, it is easy to see why Charlie received that award. Joyce, Ilene, Deb, Robin, Heidi and Joanne, thank you for your assistance and friendship these past years.

To the previous presidents and present Board of Directors, I am honored to have worked with all of you. On behalf of the POA, I thank you for your dedication. Finally, I thank all of you, the members of the POA, for having the wisdom to support the organization and people who are dedicated to advancing your profession.

Wishing you and your families a happy and blessed holiday season!!

Donna M. Buraczewski, O.D.
President
Pennsylvania Optometric Association
http://www.poaeyes.org/

Back to school – How is your report card?

I am sure you all have that one patient who you remember, no matter how long ago it was. Whether it was a difficult case, a special person you could not help or an ornery patient resistant to your advice, it seems like yesterday. My case actually involves twin brothers.

They, now adult men, know I frequently discuss their situation. I was a recent graduate from ICO and, of course, I alternated between knowing everything to knowing nothing. While I was an employee of another optometrist, I was planning on specializing in children’s vision and vision therapy.

So one day, I found 11-year-old twin brothers, who had traveled 40 miles to see me, on my schedule. Their parents explained to me that the boys were struggling in school. They were bright children, but were having problems reading. They skipped words and lost their place frequently. They understand what was read to them, but could not comprehend what they read. (Hopefully this sounds familiar to everyone.)

BUT, the boys had been examined previously by both optometrists and ophthalmologists who could not find any problem. One ophthalmologist even told the parents that the boys “were faking.” The parents, with no other evidence to disprove this diagnosis, grounded the boys from playing football. As you can imagine, by the time I examined them, they were tuned out to school and very frustrated.

To make a long story short, both brothers had small angle esotropia resulting in amblyopia and decreased binocularity. The parents, and the boys, were so relieved to have a diagnosis. I can’t remember how many weeks they drove that 40 miles – each way – to undergo vision therapy, but I do remember the parents’ dedication to their children (they have 10). The question I kept and still keep asking myself is: How was this diagnosis missed? These boys could have been spared years of failing and frustration.

So what is the point of this story? It is NOT a push to pass legislation requiring eye examinations for children before entering school – although just the other day a patient asked me why her daughter had to have a physical, a scoliosis evaluation and dental exam before starting school, but not an eye examination. If Drs. Marla Moon and Carl Urbanski remember, one of the items I mentioned when being interviewed for a POA Board position was my desire to see legislation passed regarding children’s vision. Unfortunately, the time is not yet here in Pennsylvania. Fortunately, children’s vision is an essential benefit in the Health Care Reform mandates. The AOA has worked diligently so more people are “seeing” the importance of vision care for children at early ages.

 But do we really need legislation? More importantly, are we ready for such legislation?  Are we – as local optometrists – getting out the message to our communities regarding the need for children to have eye examinations? Do you proudly display POA’s Kids Welcome Here® and Vision is Elementary® posters in your office? Do you use POA’s Kids Welcome Here brochures to educate your patients with young children about the need for vision care for their kids? Do you volunteer to present POA’s Children’s Vision: A Guide for School Nurses and Teachers to your school district during inservice days? We all need to be an advocate for our profession and for the children in our school districts. We need to speak to school nurses, educators, pediatricians and others regarding the relationship between vision and learning. We should be their source of information regarding vision issues.

But, even more important, are we – the local optometrists – examining these children for visually-related learning problems, or are we just checking visual acuity, eye health and declaring there is no problem? I frequently lecture to school nurses regarding the vision screening requirements using POA’s education program. With financial restraints, more schools are decreasing the number of school nurses. At the same time, the nurses are required to perform more duties. One of their biggest complaints is when a child fails a vision test and is referred for further evaluation, and the eye care professional says there is nothing wrong and doesn’t know why the child was referred.

Okay, I realize that not all of us are interested in, or cannot, examine children.  But, we all need to familiarize ourselves with the signs and symptoms of visually-related learning problems. We do not need to know if a convergence insufficiency case has a high or low NRA, but we should be able to identify the deficiency and have some ideas regarding remediation of this problem. We cannot fail these children; we can refer them to colleagues who do work with children. We need to help children with or without legislation. Do not let children go misdiagnosed. Prove naysayers wrong. We know vision is vital to learning, why doesn’t everyone else?

Receive a great report card this school year; help the children in your community. Request POA’s Kids Welcome Here materials – they are free to members – and make sure parents understand the importance of pediatric eye care. Contact your school to volunteer to present education to your school nurses and say “yes” when POA calls you with a presentation opportunity.

Does my authority as president of the POA extend to giving Dr. James Spangler, Dr. Marla Moon and the rest of the Pediatric Task Force A+s for their dedication to the visual welfare of the children in Pennsylvania? Absolutely; they have earned A+s.Thank you to these doctors and all of you who work with school nurses, educators, and other professionals to enable children to succeed in school and in life.

Donna M. Buraczewski, O.D.
President
Pennsylvania Optometric Association
http://www.poaeyes.org/

Where have all the members gone?

Has anyone else noticed that wherever you are – a Kiwanis Club meeting, a country club meeting, church vestry meetings, POA/AOA meetings, etcetera, – the discussion regarding the future of organizations resolves around increasing the membership. Members are getting older and newer members are not joining. How do we attract new members and ensure the financial viability of these programs?

Recently the AOA proposed changes in the membership classifications of the AOA. Whether you agree with these changes or not, the bottom line is that all members – including Life Members, Partial Practice and new graduate members – are receiving all the benefits of membership, but many are not paying full dues. Is it fair that 50% of the members pay 90% of the dues? These classifications had been created to encourage all optometrists to be members of the state and national association. We do not want to discourage anyone who desires membership. What is certainly unfair is that while all optometrists have benefited and prospered from the activities of the POA/AOA, many have not contributed to the efforts either financially or by volunteering time and effort.

What is the answer to this dilemma? Unfortunately there is not one simple answer. First we need to convey the benefits of membership to our colleagues who do not belong to the POA. Without organized optometry, we would not be able to use diagnostic or therapeutic drugs. We would not be able to treat diseases or glaucoma. It is likely that optometrists would not be paid the same as ophthalmologists for the same services without advocacy from organized optometry. Would optometrists be included in the health care reform efforts without organized optometry? Since you are reading this editorial, you already know the benefits of membership in the POA. Now we need to get this message out to others.

Much time and effort has been spent on conveying this message to the students in optometry schools around the country, and I have met many who have received the message. I would like to publicly say a few words regarding the students I have met at state and national meetings. They are doing an awesome job!! They are engaged in the future of their (our) profession. Over 300 students personally financed their expenses to attend the AOA Advocacy Meeting in Washington, D.C. in April. Members of the AOSA have contributed more to AOA-PAC than those at many state affiliates. Trustees of AOSA spoke in favor of changing the ascending dues schedule for newly graduated optometrists. They know the importance of membership and are committed to our profession. I commend these students and request all members to also congratulate these students when the opportunity arises.

No one agrees with every decision made by an organization, whether it is a church, service or professional organization. The answer is not to take your golf ball and go home. We need all members to be involved so optometry can continue to be a great career. I challenge every member to invite a non-member to lunch or to a local society meeting; better yet, do both. Sometimes it is difficult for someone to make that first move and attend a meeting on their own. Extend a welcoming hand. Educate him or her on the benefits of being a member.

All optometrists – male or female; full-time or partial practice; private, corporate or employed; established or new graduates – need to be a member of the POA. Be as involved as you are able, now or later. By recognizing the importance of membership and increasing our numbers, we can provide even more benefits. The benefits are not always visible, but they are vital.

Remember the thrill we felt at graduation and becoming a doctor. Let’s keep that feeling alive or, if necessary, let’s rejuvenate it. Be proud to be an optometrist and a member of the POA. Share that feeling with others. It is worth the effort. Thank you for being a member and sharing with others.

Donna M. Buraczewski, O.D.
President
Pennsylvania Optometric Association
http://www.poaeyes.org/

Democracy in Action

As promised, the POA 2012 Spring Congress was an exciting and fulfilling endeavor. The weather was great, the venue was awesome, the activities were fun and the education was top notch. Thank you to everyone who attended – I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Of course the most important component was the House of Delegates meeting on Saturday, May 19. All but one local society was represented. It was very rewarding to see that most societies had more than one representative present. As previously communicated, the House of Delegates is the ruling body of the POA. The By-Laws state: “The House of Delegates shall establish, by resolution, the policies of the Association.” A presentation regarding the voting policy of the POA was previously presented at the 2011 House of Delegates and is available at www.poaeyes.org in “About the POA.”

During this year’s House of Delegates, the officers for 2013 were elected. Congratulations to President Dr. Robert Owens (Lancaster), President-Elect Dr. Marianne Boltz (Central), Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Steve Eiss (Bucks Montgomery), and trustees Dr. Richard Christoph (Berks), Dr. Mark Margolies (Philadelphia), Dr. Rebecca Wincek-Bateson (Southwestern) and Dr. Lori Gray (Bucks Montgomery). Remember these people give their time, dedication and devotion to our profession. I am sure an occasional small word of thanks would be appreciated by them.

The budget for 2013 was presented, discussed and passed. Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Rich Christoph gave a thorough financial update. A $20 dues increase was passed. The POA Board and staff are committed to preserving the financial health of our organization.

Updates on critical issues were given, including legislative affairs, healthcare reform implementation, pediatric vision and the diabetes initiave. On June 7, 2008, in Pittsburgh, the POA House of Delegates passed 2008 Resolution A-1, which resulted in the formation of the Pennsylvania Diabetic Eye Health Alliance (PDEHA). Dr. Lori Gray, chair of the Diabetes Task Force, presented the current status of PDEHA and the plans for the future. A sign of democracy in action – the directive was given and the POA volunteer leaders followed the directive.

Dr. Hilary Hawthorne of California is the AOA liaison to Pennsylvania for the 2011-2012 term. Upon my request, Dr. Hawthorne, presented an update on the State of the AOA, including a discussion of the 2012 proposed By-Laws changes. Dr. David Cockrell, secretary/treasurer of the AOA, states that the primary objective of these changes is to “facilitate membership growth for the long-term health of the AOA and the affiliates.” (Check the AOA website for further information on these proposals). Heated discussion on these proposals arose during our (POA) House of Delegates. The result was a motion, which was passed, directing me, as Pennsylvania’s representative to the AOA, to oppose items H, L, and J in their current form. These items involve changes in the requirements for life membership; the introduction of $35 dues for students; and a change in the ascending dues schedule for recent graduates. I was also asked to vocalize my plan to discuss all possible resolutions with the Pennsylvania delegation attending Optometry’s Meeting in Chicago, June 27-July 1.

Since this is the first time in recent history our House of Delegates has directed a president how to vote on issues at the AOA level, I have mixed emotions. I applaud the POA House of Delegates for discussing the issues and letting your opinions be known. As presented last year, the only “power” I have is the power bestowed upon me by the House of Delegates. Each individual member has the opportunity to voice his or her opinion at their local society. The presidents of each local society represent each member at the POA House of Delegates and then I, as president, represent you at the AOA level. I have vowed to represent the members of the POA to the best of my ability and do what is best for the members and for the profession. Let me assure you I have no personal or hidden agenda. Hopefully, all the members of the Pennsylvania delegation can state the same. So be assured that I will be well-informed regarding the issues; I will listen to all the information presented during the AOA House of Delegates by the AOA and the other states; I will caucus with the delegates from Pennsylvania; I will review the discussions at the POA House of Delegates; and I and your other elected officials will vote for what is best for the optometrists of Pennsylvania. That is and will be democracy in action!!!

Donna M. Buraczewski, O.D.
President
Pennsylvania Optometric Association
http://www.poaeyes.org/

Top 10 reasons why you should attend POA’s Congress

As my fellow Board members know, I am not a late night person so I rarely watch David Letterman.  But I decided to borrow his “Top 10” concept to convey the reasons why everyone should attend this year’s POA Congress in Bedford Springs on May 18 -20, 2012.

10. GREAT LOCATION! The Omni Bedford Springs Resort made Travel+Leisure’s 2012 World’s Best Values list for “Top 10 Hotels for Value Overall” at #7 and at #1 in the U.S. and Canada.

9. FAMILY ACTIVITIES are available at the resort including hiking, biking, tennis and fly-fishing.

8. There is a “fierce” GOLF competition on Friday morning. The Bedford Springs Golf Course was named Golfweek’s “Best Course in Pennsylvania.” Overlooking breathtaking views of the Allegheny Mountains and Cumberland Valley, this remarkable course has had three golf architectural masters work on it: Spencer Oldham, A.W. Tillinghast and Donald Ross. The Bedford Springs Old Course has undergone a total renovation overseen by noted classic golf course restoration architect Ron Forse, restoring it to its original course layout.  

7.  SUPPORT THE PARAOPTOMETRIC STAFF in your office and on the state level. PPA is offering ten hours of quality education for staff to help them be more productive for you and your patients. It is also a chance for doctors and staff to socialize and interact in a casual atmosphere.

6. CAMARADERIE.  Socialize with other optometrists from the state – old friends and new friends. Everyone can interact at the PPA’s Fiesta, POA’s BBQ & Outdoor Party, and the President’s Reception.

5. EDUCATION. POA is offering three free hours of non-credit education on electronic health records, meaningful use and health care reform. Eight additional hours of credit CE are available on a variety of topics. Remember, this is a license renewal year.

4. AWARDS CEREMONY.  Join in the celebration honoring our fellow optometrists. Congratulations to Dr. Scott Goldberg, Optometrist of the Year; Dr. Lori Gray, Young Optometrist of the Year; Dr. David Rule, Gottschalk Award; Dr. Paul Freeman, Merit Award; and Senator John Gordner, William Van Essen Award. These individuals, along with all the nominees, are dedicated to our profession and have provided notable service to the POA. It will be my pleasure to present them with these awards. We also honor members for their years of membership in the POA. How long have you been a member? Five, ten, fifteen, fifty years?

3. MEET AND INTERACT WITH  CURRENT POA BOARD MEMBERS as well as the new members elected at the House of Delegates. Know who is representing you at the state level. We are privileged to have Dr. Hilary Hawthorne, AOA Board of Trustees, spend some time with us during the weekend. She will present the latest information from the AOA during the House of Delegates. There is a lot of activity on the local, state and national levels regarding legislation affecting our profession as well as health care reform. Keep yourself informed and educated.

2.  The HOUSE OF DELEGATES is the ruling body of the POA – not the president, Board of Directors or the executive director. Resolutions and By-laws changes can only occur at the House of Delegates. Each local society has a number of votes determined by the number of dues-paying members in good standing in each society – that is, the members who have 25% of their dues paid by March 31. Ensure your society has as many votes as possible. Pay your dues now.

AND THE #1 REASON:  IT IS YOUR POA.  You are a member; you pay dues. Don’t you want to know what is occurring, why and how certain decisions are made? Take the time; I am sure you won’t regret it.

I look forward to meeting and visiting with each one of you at the 2012 POA Congress in Bedford Springs on May 18-20. See you then!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donna M. Buraczewski, O.D.
President
Pennsylvania Optometric Association
http://www.poaeyes.org/

Quality Optometry

I just returned from the Presidents Council meeting in New Orleans – minus my luggage. Many subjects were discussed and there was a presentation on EHRs. Oh no – not more on electronic records, health care reform and quality measurements! Well, yes – new information is continually available. There will be presentations on EHR and health care reform at Congress in Bedford Springs in May 2012. Without ruining the surprise elements, I want to share a few aspects with you.

Are you aware that CMS is now sending reports to patients informing them if their physicians are providing quality measures? We all know that reporting these PQRS measures doesn’t make us better optometrists, but it does improve the overall care a patient receives. So why aren’t we all reporting these measures? With or without incentive payments, if you are performing the measures, report them. But in case financial factors are of main concern to you, in 2015 those not reporting these measures will be penalized.

Regardless of how we feel about the health care reform movement, the big factor is the shift from “fee for service” to “payment for performance.” By removing the emphasis from the “procedure” to “patient care,” costs should be decreased while providing better comprehensive care for patients. We all know that optometrists provide quality care for their patients. By reporting the quality measures, we are educating others about that quality care. We will not have to worry about exclusion from health care information exchanges, medical home models or accountable care organizations because others will be aware of the meaningful information we have to contribute as well as the vital role we play in the care of our patients.

This brings me to another important aspect of “quality optometry.” I recently attended a quality management meeting of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Emphasis was on how this health plan can improve and provide higher standards of care. One of the topics that arose was HEDIS scores for diabetic patients. HEDIS is a tool used by more than 90% of America’s health plans to measure performances on important dimensions of care and service.

Care of diabetic patients includes an annual dilated fundus evaluation. Who is better qualified to perform this service than optometry? And we are performing this service; now we need to report the findings to the PCPs in a timely fashion. These are our mutual patients, so we need to communicate our findings to assist in their total care. On a slightly selfish note, by reporting this information we are reiterating our value in the health care arena. We have proven our worth as primary eye care providers. As they become more aware of the care we are providing, other professionals will recognize the meaningful information we provide in the treatment of the entire person.

In 2009, the POA initiated the Pennsylvania Diabetic Eye Health Alliance (PDEHA) to encourage our members to take that extra step to manage diabetic patients, not simply diabetic eyes; emphasize correspondence with other professionals; and encourage patients to also seek other preventative steps, such as dental and podiatric services. We have many members signed up. The PDEHA section of the POA website includes a primer for care as well as sample letters for communication. If you have not signed up, please do so now by visiting http://www.poaeyes.org/ and clicking on the “More Information for Doctors” link in the PDEHA box on the right side of the page.

Remember to communicate with PCPs. Contact these physicians to confirm their preferred method of communication – fax, e-mail, snail mail etc. Open the doors of communication and demonstrate “quality optometry.” Share what we all know – optometrists are an important component of healthcare. We provide a vital service to our patients. We know it, now others will too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donna M. Buraczewski, O.D.
President
Pennsylvania Optometric Association
http://www.poaeyes.org/

2012 POA Board of Trustees and You

Is it just me or did 2011 seem to fly right by? I remember my older relatives and instructors telling me that it only gets faster as you get older. I can’t imagine time going by any faster.

It seems like yesterday that Dr. Daniel Russell was beginning the year 2011 as president of the POA and I was president-elect. Well, we recently held the passing of the gavel and it is now my turn to lead this great organization. I am excited about what the year may bring and what we can accomplish. 2011 was a memorable year in POA’s history – not all necessarily positive. I would like this opportunity to publicly thank Dr. Russell for his unending dedication to the POA and optometry this past year. I look forward to working with him in 2012.

Dr. Greg Caldwell has completed his stint on the POA Board. Fortunately, for the profession, I know it will not be the last we see of him. I know he will be available to assist anyone who may need his help.

The members of the POA are fortunate to have a dynamite Board working on their behalf. We put a lot of time, work and effort into shaping the POA to be a leader in the nation on behalf of optometry. They are passionate for the profession of optometry and are dedicated to the POA.

Dr. Robert Owens of Lancaster is president-elect for 2012. Many of you know Dr. Owens for his years of relentless dedication to the Motorists Vision Committee. I am very excited to have him as my "sidekick" for this year.

Dr. Marianne Boltz has served on the Diabetic Task Force and Pediatric Vision Care Committee. She is also active with the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Rich Christoph, Board secretary/treasurer this year, has served on the Corporate Affiliated Task Force and exemplifies the POA’s dedication to all its members in all modes of practice.

Dr. Mark Margolies of Philadelphia is in private practice as is our newest trustee, Dr. Steve Eiss. Both doctors have served numerous roles in their local societies as well as on the state level.

All of these members of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association Board of Directors are available for discussion on any issues or questions you may have. Please get acquainted with all of us and be assured we are working for the betterment of optometry in Pennsylvania.

Now, what can you do for us? Consider serving on committees at your local society level and the state level. Let us know what areas of optometry you are most passionate about and we will get you involved. I know it’s much easier to sit back, let others do the work, and then comment about the way it is done. It is your profession – your career. Optometry is not a career that can be a 9-5 job. It is a dynamic, ever-changing profession that can be altered by outside influences. Do not let others determine our role in vision care or health care.

Be INVOLVED!! Volunteer your time, experience and finances. Attend local society meetings – get involved. If there is a request from Legislative Affairs for you to see your legislator and/or contribute to POPAC – get involved. If the Health Care Reform Committee asks for information regarding third party payers or health information exchanges – get involved. When the POA sponsors educational seminars and meetings – get involved. Do it now, before you know it 2012 will be over. Call us now and let us know how you can help your profession. I know you will not regret it.

I look forward to serving as president for 2012 and being involved with the POA for the rest of my career. I am passionate for optometry.

Donna M. Buraczewski, O.D.
President
Pennsylvania Optometric Association
http://www.poaeyes.org/