President's Message:
The Mission is the Message
Matt Valdes, OD, FAAO
TOA President
Think back to your days of optometry school. I know what you're probably saying, but just humor me for one second. Now recall your time in Vision Science, when you were introduced to the “ambiguous optical illusion”. The Necker cube, the spinning ballerina, or the duck-rabbit are all examples of ambiguous illusions. An image created to have two different interpretations depending on the observer's perspective. Although it’s possible to switch between images, once you see the initial image, it is difficult to “unsee” it and view the alternative perspective.
10 years ago, I was sitting in a public relations meeting put on by the American Optometric Association. This was the first time I was presented with the concept of crafting a message or creating a narrative. The ability to stay on point and not deviate is designed to help an audience understand important and sometimes complex issues. Today whenever I’m watching the news or viewing an advertisement, I see narratives being crafted. I see the way organizations use this type of messaging as a means to effectively communicate to their viewers and invite them into a larger story. Once you begin to “see” it, it’s difficult to “unsee” it.
Many organizations pull their strength from different places; size, resources, diversity of personnel. While serving on the TOA board I’ve had the opportunity to engage with state affiliates from across the country. I now see that the strength of our association lies within our message. I’ve seen presidents come and presidents go. I’ve served under two executive directors, worked with a variety of staff and am now witnessing the transition of our long-time in-house legal counsel. Some would say such turnover might undermine the mission, but the reality is despite these changes, everyone was always oriented towards a common goal. With each legislative effort, CE event, membership benefit, student activity or public service, our mission is the message.
Heading into this next legislative session, we will again rely on our community of doctors to help spread the message of the association. Whether you are within the leadership structure of your local society, part of our extensive grassroots network, TOPAC supporter, optometry student or vital TOA member, we invite you to join us in our pursuit as “Doctors of optometry working together to advance excellence in eye care for every Texan.”
Members often ask, “Why should I maintain my membership?” As president, one of my top priorities in addressing the evolving healthcare landscape is to help our members see value in the TOA advocating for modernized clinical practice, improved access to eyecare and ensuring proper payment of services for all Texas ODs. Texas optometrists can stay informed by updating and subscribing to TOA publications including our newest publication, Trending with TOA (TwT). This weekly email puts into perspective the latest trends in politics, industry, and research relevant to your practice, because once you see it, it’s hard to “unsee” it.
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Important Continuing Education Advisory |
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For over a decade, PCS has been warning optometrists regarding the potential inducement to refer violations surrounding free CE provided to optometrists by ophthalmology groups. The Anti-Kickback Statute has always been very clear on this issue stating that inducement would be liberally interpreted. Based on a request from ophthalmology, the Office of the Inspector General, our Federal police, has now issued guidance on this issue, guidance that supports PCS’s recommendation that has been in place for years (General Advisory Opinion 22-14).
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Case Report: Diagnosis and Management of a Presumed Bacterial Ulcer
Authors: Austin Barr, OD, Zanna Kruoch, OD, FAAO, and Marcus Gonzales, OD, FAAO at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic, Dallas, TX
Introduction
Bacterial keratitis is a generic term that is used to describe the cornea harboring bacteria of which can subsequently cause infectious ulcers. While infectious ulcers can be caused by things such as fungi, protozoa and viruses, the most common organism is bacteria. Eighty percent of bacteria is caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Pseudomonas.5 The most common risk factors in younger patients for development of bacterial ulcers are contact lens wear and trauma, with contact lens wear being the most prominent.5 In older patients, chronic corneal disease such as dry eyes, surgical trauma and bullous keratopathy are also important factors.5 The appropriate treatment and management of this condition is crucial for optometrists to understand to alleviate symptoms and prevent further vision loss in these patients.
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16 hours of Optometrist Continuing Education
Includes: Opioid Course, Human Trafficking and the Professional Responsibility Courses.
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EDUCATION TOPICS INCLUDE:
Ocular Disease, Corneal Erosion, Medication Monitoring, Neurotrophic Keratitis, Pharmacology, Anterior Segment, Refractive Surgery, Ocular Emergency and Trauma, Optical Coherence Tomography and more
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TOA's Newest Members!
TOA is proud to welcome our latest members.
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Heather Adamson OD; CCOS
Adrienne Ari OD; BCDOS
Stuart Berry OD; POS
Justin Chelette OD; HCOS
Neng Chhean OD; DCOS
Richa Garg OD; BCDOS
Bajinder Gill OD; TCOS
Samantha Hoelzer OD; CTOS
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Joshua Oh OD; DCOS
Matthew Parker OD; POS
Mark Savastana OD; HCOS
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Elizabeth Scherer OD; TCOS
Leslie Sciumbato OD; POS
Michael Shea OD; DCOS
Brianna Sooy OD; RGVOS
Robert Staples OD; NWTOS
Charles Stockwell OD; SPOS
Catherine Vicci OD; DCOS
Jennifer Vuong OD; HCOS
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Interested in becoming a member? Already a member and have questions about it or your benefits?
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HIGHLIGHTED MEMBER BENEFIT SECTION |
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Celebrate Paraoptometric Appreciation Month |
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TOA MEMBER BENEFIT:
AOA-Member Doctors of Optometry: Add Your Paraoptometric Staff to Your AOA Membership – for FREE!
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This AOA-member benefit means free access to programs and services that offer education and staff training, significant discounts on education materials for purchase, discounts, and information communicated through AOA email and publications.
This membership is available as part of the doctor of optometry's AOA membership benefits, at no cost to the paraoptometric and no added membership cost to the member doctor. Paraoptometrics gain access to these resources through their AOA-member doctor membership.
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16hrs CE, "Must Have" Courses and MORE
November 12th - 13th, 2022
Westin Galleria - Dallas, TX
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
February 16th - 19th, 2023
JW Marriott - Austin, TX
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Text "eye" to 866-961-0001
To receive the news, alerts and event reminders right to your phone.
Up to 4 Msgs/Month. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. Msg&data rates may apply. Terms: bit.ly/20thoeQ
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