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November | December 2007

MOA 2007 Annual Convention The 106th Annual Convention of the Missouri Optometric Association was held October 4-7, 2007 at the St. Louis Ritz-Carlton.

Activities started off with a beautiful day for golf. A special thank you goes to Dr. Tom Cullinane for doing a tremendous job of organizing the event at Winghaven Country Club. (Full story inside, page 4)

2008 Legislative Conference

Every winter doctors of optometry meet face-to-face with members of the Missouri General Assembly to educate them about optometry’s top legislative priorities for the coming year.

This conference is the premier opportunity for optometrists to get their voices heard by members of the legislature and their staffs.

This year’s conference will include three hours of continuing education featuring John McGreal, Jr., O.D. The course is entitled, “Understanding the New Medicare Guidelines” COPE 16118-PM. (Complete details, page 8)

A l s o I n s i d eT h i sI s s u e

Thank You Convention Exhibitors & Sponsors

MOA CE Recognition Awards

MOA St. Maarten Spring CE

UMSL’s College of Optometry Receives Award

State Board Report

PQRI Update

Children’s Vision Implementation

AOA’s Electronic Health Records Seminar

AOA Offering Contract Analysis

AOA Paraoptometric Certification

MOA Helping InfantSEE®

AOA Increases Dues

AOA’s Optometric Recognition Award

NPI for Medicare Claims


President’s Message

As my year as president begins, I would like to take this opportunity to present my vision and goals for the next year and beyond.

Formation of the Children’s Vision Commission and rule-making is one of our top priorities. Another goal is to make sure the optometric profession in Missouri is placed on a track of modernization and expansion for the future. I am thrilled that our board is enthusiastic and excited to begin the new work of the association.

Just like a sturdy building, every well planned or constructed organization has to have a strong and sound foundation. Our organization has entered a three year period of legislative moratorium. This is a time for us to study our “organizational infrastructure.” This infrastructure includes our information processes, business processes and asset management. We have already modernized a good portion of our building, and this will be an ongoing process. Our office procedures and software need to be updated to become more effective and cost efficient. If our profession is to continue to expand and evolve, we must increase our PAC contributions by making it easier for all optometrists to make automatic credit card contributions. Membership and public relations will continue to be vital to the success of our association.

Dr. Scott Ream, Membership Committee chair, will be continuing with an active membership campaign this year. Through significant new member benefits, such as the creation of a third party payer consultant program, group health insurance, new practitioner guide and other creative ideas, we hope to significantly increase membership. I would like to see the third party payer consultant program evolve into a system for not only helping practitioners with payment issues but also informing, educating and working with health insurance carriers to allow optometrists on their panels.

Our Public Relations campaign, headed by Dr. Kyle Brost, has been exceptionally successful this past year. We plan to continue our education to the public about what we do. The PR campaign is not only a campaign for the general population but for educating our legislators, as well as educating our members and our non-members as to what our professional association is doing for us.

We also need to be supportive of our national and regional organizations and work with the AOA and NCSOC to foster progression of national and regional goals. I challenge every optometrist in the state to become InfantSEE providers. This program can do wonders for our children. (see, President, page 13)


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MOA Hosts 2007 Annual Convention

The 106th Annual Convention of the Missouri Optometric Association was held October 4-7, 2007 at the St. Louis Ritz-Carlton. Activities started off with a beautiful day for golf. A special thank you goes to Dr. Tom Cullinane for doing a tremendous job of organizing the event at Winghaven Country Club.

Paraoptometrics attended the AOA CPOT Practical Examination at the UMSL-College of Optometry. Thank you to the AOA for organizing this event.

The MOA held a reception for Representative Dr. Steve Tilley. Over 150 people traveled to the St. Louis Ritz-Carlton for a relaxed evening with Dr. Tilley and other members of the state legislature.

Dr. Erica Burton met with the UMSL student workers and went over their assignments for the convention. The students are wonderful to work with. There’s just no way we could get everything done without them.

This year’s continuing education featured topics on new technology, surgical advancements and therapeutics, correct claims filing, compliance, coding, changes in Medicare and Medicaid, ocular emergencies, the importance of the cornea in glaucoma, systemic medication, InfantSEE®, Lensometry, frame adjustments and ocular anatomy.

A very special thank you to Midland Optical and Hoya Optical for conducting lab tours for the MOA paraoptometric section. (see Convention, page 5)


Convention , continued from page 4

The Award’s Luncheon featured Dr. James Hunt as Master of Ceremonies. Dr. Ronald Hopping, AOA Trustee, presented AOA Years of Service Awards followed by Dr. Thomas Greene’s presentation of the MOA Years of Service and Continuing Education Awards. Distinguished Service Awards were presented to Representative Steve Tilley and Representative Terry Swinger for their outstanding support in the state legislature to build an understanding of the importance of eye exams and their efforts to pass the children’s vision legislation.

The “MOA Young Optometrist of the Year Award” was presented to Dr. James Hunt. Dr. Hunt is the owner of the Vision Improvement Clinic in Doniphan, Missouri. He was nominated by the Southeast Optometric Society.

The “MOSA Student Leadership Award” was presented to Ryan Read. Ryan is a third year student at UMSL and is the student liaison to the MOA Board of Directors.

Steve Sutherlin, from Sutherlin Optical, presented the “Paraoptometric of the Year Award” to Christina Heafner. Tina works at Eye Care Associates of Lees Summit. She served as the President of the MOA paraoptometric section, Kansas City Society Trustee and liaison to the MOA Board of Directors.

Each year the MOA Auxiliary awards two scholarships to eligible optometry students. This year the scholarships were increased and awarded to Deanne Wehner and Laura Bequette. They are sisters and third year students at UMSL.

MOA business sessions were lively and well attended. Reports were given by the American Optometric Association, Dr. Ronald Hopping, North Central States Optometric Council Representative, Dr. Scott Ream, UMSL-School of Optometry Dean, Dr. Larry Davis, Missouri State Board of Optometry Chairman, Dr. Michael Nichols and Governmental Affairs Consultants, Jerry Burch and Scott Marrs.

Following the opening of the exhibit hall, exhibitors, students, doctors, paras and auxiliary members enjoyed the entertainment at Dave & Buster’s. (continued, page 6)


Convention , continued from page 5

Saturday night’s festivities featured Dr. Tim Wingert as the Master of Ceremonies. The “MOA Optometrist of the Year Award” was presented to Dr. Tim Wingert. Dr. Wingert is a faculty member of the University of Missouri, St. Louis-College of Optometry, and was nominated by the Saint Louis Optometric Society.

The “MOA Friend of Optometry Award” was presented to Representative David Pearce. Representative Pearce has always been a friend to optometry. His wife, Teresa, is a vision therapist with Eyecare Specialties, Lake, Lake and Cook, in Warrensburg. Representative Pearce sponsored the Children’s Vision Bill in the House and helped us solidify the support of the legislative body. Dr. Ronald Hopping, AOA Trustee, installed the new MOA Board of Directors, Paraoptometric Board and MOAA Board. Following the installation all past-presidents were invited forward for the passing of the gavel to the new MOA President, Dr. Gregory Goetzinger.

The 2007 MOA “Bright Future of Optometry” slideshow is online @ www.moeyecare.org/events/2007convention.html. Thank you Dr. Robert Goerss for taking such wonderful pictures again this year!

2007 Convention Planning Committee

Committee Chair: Ryan H. Powell, O.D. Continuing Education: Erica S. Burton, O.D. Entertainment: Mark D. Curtis, O.D. Exhibit Hall: James M. Hunt, O.D. Golf Tournament: Thomas J. Cullinane, O.D. MOAA representative: Amy Powell MOSA Representative: Ryan Read PARA Representative: Christina Heafner Sponsorship Chair: Gregory J. Goetzinger, O.D.

•••••••••


Mr. Bill Aden • Dr. Ed Bennett • Dr. Lee Carr • Dr. Susan Cotter Dr. Mark Dunbar • Dr. Murray Fingeret • Dr. Andy Gurwood

Dr. Vinita Henry • Dr. Paul Karpecki • Ms. Jill LeubertDr. Joe Maino • Dr. Marc Myers • Mr. Kim Scheidler

Dr. Joseph Shetler • Dr Jennifer Smythe • Dr. Lori SwopesMr. Paul Tollefson • Dr. Walt West • Mr. Alex Yoho

Speakers for the 2008 Congress

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2008 Legislative Conference Dates Set

Every winter doctors of optometry meet face-to-face with members of the Missouri General Assembly to educate them about optometry’s top legislative priorities for the coming year. This Conference is the premier opportunity for optometrists to get their voices heard by members of the legislature and their staffs.

This year’s conference will include three hours of continuing education featuring John McGreal, Jr., O.D. : “Understanding the New Medicare Guidelines” COPE 16118-PM.

This course will review the latest CMS changes in E/M coding, eye coding, S codes, fee schedules, documentation, compliance, as well as the PQRI measures. All Medicare providers must comply with these federal guidelines. Learn how to properly charge for services, evaluate your fee schedule, adequately document the medical record, and reduce risk in an audit. Sample forms and case studies will be used for clinical correlation. This material can be put into practice the next day back in the office.

Following the luncheon with Rep. Rod Jetton, Speaker of the House, there will be a dynamic panel discussion—”Implementation of the Children’s Vision Law”—featuring Rep. David Pearce; Rep. Steve Tilley, O.D.; Mark Curtis, O.D.; Virginia Beatty, DHSS; Keri Dozier, DHSS, Director, Boards and Commissions; and Marjorie Cole, School Health Nurses Consultant.

To learn more about this event, download the complete registration brochure or register online.


Features

Thank You Exhibitors & Sponsors

MOA Continuing Education Recognition Awards

MOA Heads to St. Maarten for Spring CE

UMSL’s College of Optometry Receives 2007 Community Champion Award

State Board Report

2007 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) Update

Children’s Vision Implementation

AOA to Host Electronic Health Records Seminar

AOA Now Offering Contract Analysis as a Member Benefit

AOA Paraoptometric Certification

Missouri Optometrists Helping InfantSEE®

AOA Increases Membership Dues

AOA Optometric Recognition Award

Using the NPI for Medicare Claims

Dr. Tim Wingert receives “Optometrist of the Year” award, presented by Dr. Lee Ann Barrett, at the MOA Annual Convention.


The Missouri Optometric Association expresses its sincere appreciation to individuals and firms that provided exhibitor and sponsorship support for the Association’s annual convention at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, St. Louis, Missouri, October 4-7, 2007.

MOA Annual Convention Thank You

Thank You Exhibitors Advanced Medical Optics Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Allergan Avesis Bausch & Lomb Carl Zeiss Meditec CooperVision Duffens/Langley Optical Elsevier-Mosby-Saunders Essilor of America Europa International Firestone Optics, Inc. Gateway Optical Services, Inc. Genzyme HOYA Vision Care Inspire Pharmaceuticals Kansas City Ophthalmics/ Carl Zeiss Vision Lombart Instrument Marco Midland Optical Co. Missouri Eye Care Alliance Missouri Optometric Foundation Nidek, Inc. Nova Vision, Inc. Optos North America Ozarks Optical Laboratories, Inc. Pro Design Denmark Rehabilitation Services for the Blind Shamir Insight, Inc. Signet Armorlite Sutherlin Optical Synemed The Newton Group TLC Laser Eye Centers Transitions Optical Vision Service Plan Walman Optical Walmart Vision Center Wisconsin Vision Associates Zea Vision

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Thank You SponsorsAllergan Bausch & Lomb H. Kell Yang, M.D. Joplin Eye Laser Center Kies Eye Center, LLC Missouri Eye Institute, LLC Moyes Eye Center Murphy-Watson-Burr Eye Center Pech Optical Corp Regional Eyecare Center PC Retina Associates of St. Louis, Inc. Signet Armorlite Stiles Eye Care Excellence TLC Laser Eye Centers Vision Service Plan Vision Source Vistakon Walman Optical Zea Vision

•••••••••••••••••••


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• Fabry disease is a progressive genetic disorder that can lead to life-threatening renal, cardiac, and cerebrovascular complications

• Up to 90% of Fabry disease patients exhibit corneal verticillata1 (whorl-like radial lines emanating from a single vortex), which are detectable by slit lamp examination and typically do not affect vision

• Other early signs and symptoms include pain in the extremities, impaired sweating, skin rash or angiokeratomas, and hearing and gastrointestinal problems

A geneticist can help establish a definitive diagnosis and provide information on intervention. Learn more at www.fabrycommunity.com and www.lysosomallearning.com or contact Genzyme Medical Information at 617-768-9000 or 800-745-4447 (option 2).

References1 Franceschetti A. Fabry’s disease: ocular manifestations. In: Bergsma D, Bron AJ, Cotlier E (eds). The Eye and Inborn Errors in Metabolism. Vol. 12, No. 3. New York: AR Liss Co., 1976: 195-208.

Photo on right used with permission. RL Abbott, MD

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Corneal verticillata are commonly seen in Fabry disease, a progressive, often life-threatening genetic disorder.

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MOA Continuing Education Recognition Awards

The Continuing Education Recognition Award was established in 1984 to emphasize our professional association’s commitment to continuing education for our members.

The following Missouri Optometric Association members accumulated at least 32 credit hours of continuing education within one year:

Dr. Lee Ann Barrett Dr. Kurt W. Finklang Dr. Cathy L. Frier Dr. Michael C. Frier Dr. Debbie Hettler-Arbeitman Dr. Dana J. Krause Dr. Stephen R. Rice Dr. Steven E. Rosen Dr. Lori K. Swopes Dr. Richard C. Wilson

••••••••••

Children’s Vision Implementationby Mark Curtis, O.D.

As you all know, the Children’s Vision Law goes into effect for the school year 2008-2009. Per Representative David Pearce’s recommendation, we are putting together an informal meeting for the Johnson County area schools about the law. Items of discussion will be:

History of the bill Purpose of the bill The differences between a comprehensive eye examination and a vision screening The Missouri Children’s Commission’s role The exam

a. Scheduling b. Costs c. Donations d. Parent’s opt out option This will be the first of these types of meetings in Missouri. Assuming it proves beneficial, we’d like to take the “show on the road” across Missouri. The meeting is tentatively set for December 17th.

•••

••


Spring CE Set for St. Maar ten

It’s still not too late to make plans to attend the Missouri Optometric Association Spring CE in St. Maarten, which is scheduled for April 17-22.

The Turquoise Shell Inn, owned by former Kansas City optometrist Dr. Carter Glass, is our hotel, and the rate is an extremely low $370 per person for 5 nights lodging (breakfast included). Because the Turquoise Shell is a small hotel, some folks may need to stay at the Azure Guesthouse, where there will be a $35 supplemental charge. View accommodations at www.tshellinn.com and www.azuresxm.com.

Continuing education will be provided by Michael Cymbor, O.D. from Tyrone, PA. He will present 10 hours on a variety of subjects including allergy, dry eye, diabetes and other systemic diseases, new technologies, refractive surgery and evidence based medicine. The cost is $350 per doctor.

Air flights are from Kansas City and St. Louis. Robin at Midwest Travel recommends using US Air to fly to St. Maarten so that you will not have to stay overnight in Miami. The flights are around $758 from Kansas City and $695 from St. Louis. You may contact Robin at [email protected], or 573-635-3995 if you would like her to arrange your air travel.

Space is limited, so please contact Scott Ream at [email protected] as soon as you can if you would like to attend this event.

President , continued from page 2

We also need to prepare ourselves for national continued competence with the advent of quality reporting in healthcare. The ultimate goal is a program that would be endorsed by optometric organizations and made available to optometrists who have a need to demonstrate continued and advanced clinical competence to the public, third party payers and government agencies.

There are numerous issues that we will be working on this year, and I am excited to get this party started.


UMSL’s College of Optometr y Receives 2007 Community Champion Award

The College of Optometry at the University of Missouri-St. Louis was honored Sept. 15 at the Institute for Family Medicine’s second annual Salute to Community Champions Dinner. The college was one of five recipients of the 2007 Community Champion Award.

The Institute for Family Medicine presents the award, given in five categories, to individuals, groups and organizations that strive to improve the community’s health through notable and unselfish contributions. Categories include government/political, media, not-for-profit or faith based organizations and individual citizen.

The College of Optometry at UMSL received its award in the category of “health care organizations.” For this category, the institute awards a health care or health education organization that assists those receiving inadequate health care.

“The Community Champion Award is a tribute to the exemplary clinical care provided by our dedicated faculty, students and staff,” said Dr. Larry Davis, dean of the College of Optometry at UMSL. “That care is provided not only within our college-operated centers, but also within numerous other healthcare facilities throughout St. Louis.”

The college operates four full-service eye care facilities known collectively as the Center for Eye Care. It includes the University Eye Center on UMSL’s South Campus, Optometry Center in St. Louis, East St. Louis Center in Illinois and Harvester Eye Care in Missouri. The college also collaborates with several service organizations and provides clinical care at various St. Louis-area health care facilities, including La Clinica, Family Care Health Center, Myrtle H. Davis Comprehensive Health Center, Grace Hill and the St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Visit http://www.umsl.edu/~optomety/index.html for more information on the College of Optometry at UMSL.

University of Missouri-St. Louis faculty and administration pictured at the second annual Salute to Community Champions Dinner are, from left, Dr. Linda Marks, clinical assistant professor of optometry; Dr. John Crane, clinical assistant professor of optometry; Provost Glen Cope; Dr. Larry Davis, dean of the College of Optometry; Dr. Raymond Myers, clinical professor of optometry; and Dr. Kathleen Boland, clinical assistant professor of optometry.


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State Board Repor t

In the last legislative session the Missouri legislature passed bills with the support of the MOA and the State Board that rewrote the Missouri optometry statutory language. There was no change in the scope of practice, but the continuing education requirements for licensure were increased.

Beginning with the 2 year licensure cycle that will start on November 1st, 2008, optometrists will be required to obtain 32 hours of approved CE between November 1, 2008 and October 31, 2010 to renew a license again for the next 2 year cycle. To renew the license that comes due in November 2008, you must have obtained 8 hours of approved CE in the reporting period of September 1, 2006 to August 31, 2007 and an additional 8 hours in the reporting period of September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2008. The new law and pending rules changes will have the reporting period and the licensure cycle with the same dates.

Reporting requirements will not change. You do not need to send in course attendance verification to the board unless requested as part of the random audit process. The rules require you to maintain CE records for the current licensure cycle and the two previous ones as well.

The Board continues to deal with a moderate number of practitioners who fail to obtain and/or document CE according to the rules. We also encounter numerous optometrists who move their primary practice location and fail to notify the BNDD and DEA within thirty days as required. If you fail to notify BNDD of a change of your primary practice location within thirty days of the change, your BNDD registration automatically terminates. This results in a violation of the controlled substances regulations if you prescribe any controlled substance drugs after the thirty day grace period.

Sharlene Rimiller retired this fall as the executive director of the State Board of Optometry. Brian Barnett has been hired as her replacement and has worked closely with the Board over the last 2 years.

If you should have any questions regarding Board issues, please contact Brian and his staff at 573-751-0814, email the Board at [email protected] or visit the Board website at www.pr.mo.gov/optometrists.asp.

Dr. Mike Nichols, Chair, Missouri State Board of Optometry


Missouri Optometr ists Helping InfantSEE®by Ryan Powell, O.D.

When Missouri optometrists were asked to participate in a public health initiative known as InfantSEE®, they answered the call. Now, two years after the launch of one of the American Optometric Association’s most successful programs, Missouri is leading the way.

Our state currently has 236 InfantSEE providers and have provided, by AOA estimates, between 2400 and 2900 assessments in 2007. That is only 10 – 12 assessments per participating doctor for the entire year. So, even though InfantSEE is going well and we are seeing its effect on the education of parents and the early diagnosis in children, we can do better. The InfantSEE program has three target goals for 2008:

Create campaigns designed to make “Moms” aware of InfantSEE Improve involvement of providers Increase doctor enrollment

To achieve goal number one InfantSEE has already received grants, including a supporting grant from VSP, to provide some direct to “moms” marketing. The AOA has also created a number of public relations materials that are available to doctors. You can find those materials at www.infantsee.org or at www.aoa.org.

To achieve goal number two we have to start talking about InfantSEE more. As an InfantSEE provider, I encourage you to get the pamphlets in your office and make them available to your patients. Talk about InfantSEE on your website and teach your staff about the InfantSEE program at your next office meeting.

For many of us seeing infants is foreign and maybe something we are not comfortable with. Remember this, you are very well trained and qualified to identify vision and eye health conditions at any age. These moms, dads and more importantly infants need your help to make sure they are on the right track.

If you are not currently an InfantSEE provider, please send an email to [email protected] or contact me at [email protected].

•••


2007 Physician Quality Repor ting Initiative (PQRI) Update

Important Information About the Use of the National Provider Identifier (NPI)PQRI participants must use their NPIs correctly for their quality-data submissions to count toward successful reporting.

In recent NPI related communications, CMS indicated that since October 15, 2007, Medicare is sending informational warnings that indicate there was no NPI shown in the primary provider fields on your claim(s). Medicare is including these informational warnings on your pre-pass reject reports provided to you directly or to your bulletin board.

Medicare informational warnings called “Provider Identification Code Qualifier Invalid Value” messages will be labeled M389, M390, M391, and/or M392, but, again, these are only reminders. If you receive one of these messages, your claim did not include an NPI as required for PQRI reporting. If you are certain that your claim was submitted with an NPI, you may want to contact your clearinghouse or billing agent to ascertain the reason behind the message. It is possible that the clearinghouse or billing agent removed the NPI prior to submitting the claim to Medicare. You may also want to call your carrier/MAC to ask about the message and how you can correct future claims.

PQRI Participation and Coding TipsThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has developed a Tip Sheet to assist eligible professionals participating in PQRI with reporting accuracy. Successful participation in PQRI is dependent on accurate submission of information provided on Medicare claims. This new resource provides helpful tips on the PQRI reporting process and is available on the PQRI web page at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI/Downloads/2007PQRITipSheet.pdf.

Other PQRI ResourcesNew information is continually added to the most reliable source of information about PQRI, the CMS website: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI. Here you will find new and revised Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), updates on issues related to both the 2007 and 2008 PQRI, new educational products, and access to the latest information you need to successfully participate in PQRI. Many of the FAQs have been recently updated, so be sure to check the website if you have any questions.


AOA to Host Electronic Health Records Seminar

ST. LOUIS—November 13, 2007— Faster than most ODs realize, electronic health records (EHRs) are becoming the norm for optometry, as well as all health professions.

The transition from paper to pixels can affect all parts of an optometric practice, from the privacy of patient records, to billing codes, to office equipment and software, even reimbursements.

ODs who want to stay ahead of this wave should plan to attend “Building the Paperless Practice: AOA’s Electronic Health Records Seminar,” Jan. 25-26 in Grapevine, Texas.

The schedule includes an update from the AOA’s Washington office on what ODs need to know to conform to federal standards and how health information technology may affect reimbursement in the future.

Other presentations will include:

Implementing EHRs in a practice Interoperability and security issues related to EHR products Guidance on what to consider when investing in EHR and e-prescribing products

The seminar will focus on information shared by experienced optometrists who have already adopted health information technology.

Companies with different approaches to records management will also be available to provide answers to frequently asked questions and offer hands-on evaluation.

“This is the one meeting that ODs can’t afford to miss,” said Scot Morris, O.D., who is in charge of the conference. “This seminar will help them learn what they need to know about EHRs. Attending this conference is the right business decision.”

“Building the Paperless Practice: AOA’s Electronic Health Records Seminar,” will be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort Hotel near the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Registration is limited, so ODs should make plans to attend now. The fee is $325 for AOA members ($550 for non-members).

For more information and to register, visit www.aoa.org/paperless.xml or call 1-800-365-2219, ext. 4214.

•••


AOA Now Offer ing Contract Analysis as a Member Benefit

The American Optometric Association is launching a pilot contract analysis service as a free member benefit. The service, provided through the AOA Office of Counsel, offers analysis of prospective, unsigned managed care plan contracts and commercial employment contracts by a licensed attorney with expertise in contract review.

After a contract is submitted for analysis, an AOA attorney will provide written explanation and analysis of the contract’s terms and provisions, including information about items that may require future explanation.

The service is an informational review to help members understand the provisions of contract documents, according to the AOA; the reviewing attorney will not make recommendations as to whether the member should sign the contact as is, nor will an AOA attorney be able to act as the member’s personal attorney.

Contracts may be submitted by mail or fax, along with an analysis request form, to the AOA Office of Counsel. For more information, visit www.aoa.org/contractanalysis.xml or email to: [email protected].

AOA Paraoptometr ic Cer tification

Have you been looking into AOA Paraoptometric Certification or looking foward to the next level but not sure where to sit for the examination?

Look no more.....the Missouri Optometric Association (MOA) will be hosting the CPO, CPOA, and CPOT written examinations at the MOA 2008 Legislative Conference.

Got to www.moeyecare.org/pdfs/2008para.pdf for more information.


AOA Increases Membership Dues

The Board of Trustees of the American Optometric Association (AOA) has voted to approve an increase of $23.00 in AOA membership dues effective January 1, 2008, that will result in a total annual dues obligation of $711.00.

According to AOA, issues and efforts in the advocacy area, as well as continued efforts in the areas related to membership, affiliated relations, and public awareness, are making substantial financial demands on AOA.

Using the NPI for Medicare Claims

The NPI must be used as the identifier on a claim for ordering/referring/attending provider, operating/other/service facility provider, or for any provider that is not a billing, pay-to or rendering provider.

This rule becomes mandatory effective May 23,2008. This pertains to surgery co-management claims. For the complete rule please go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Transmittals/downloads/R225PI.pdf on the CMS website.

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AOA Optometr ic Recognition Awards

The deadline for submitting applications for the AOA Optometric Recognition Award is March 31,2008.

Please note that the ORA Program is now on the AOA Website. Go to www.aoa.org, click on “Doctors” (in gray bar towards top of page), then click on “Member Benefits & Services” (in blue bar at left of page). The Optometric Recognition Award Program link is the second item in the bulleted list. Additional information regarding the program, along with various ORA forms, is included on the site.

About the Optometric Recognition Awards

The Optometric Recognition Award is designed to recognize and stimulate doctors of optometry in their continuing education efforts with the objectives of maintaining and improving the quality of optometric care.

The initial award requirements are the satisfactory completion of 150 credit hours of continuing education over the three consecutive year period prior to the award year. However, the award requirements may be completed in less time. Transcript quality courses offered by an accredited institution of higher learning will be given double credit hours for ORA purposes upon successful completion of the course and exam. Verification from the provider is required.

The enrollment fee is $40 to cover direct costs for the ORA Award Certificate and office procedures.

Five categories, designed to cover a variety of learning experiences, are approved for the Award.

Category 1: requires a minimum of 90 hours for courses taken from AOA Approved Providers. All 150 hours may be taken in Category 1.

Category 2: is for courses taken from non-approved providers (that is, not on the AOA list of Approved Providers), and has a maximum limit of 30 hours for the three years.

Category 3: is for optometric formal and informal teaching; limit – 30 hours.

Category 4: is for writing and presenting papers, publications, books and lectures; limit – 25 hours.

Category 5: is for non-supervised individual optometric continuing education; limit – 25 hours. (see ORA, page 25)


ORA, continued from page 24

All enrollees will receive a record-keeping form that is easy to use in logging their hours.

When 150 or more hours have been accumulated and all requirements met, upon submitting the Award Request Form, you will receive an ORA Award Certificate, suitable for display. A Recognition Ceremony is held annually at Optometry’s Meeting™ House of Delegates.

All qualifiers may continue in the program on a year-to-year basis for $20 each year.

Participation in the ORA program will help you in meeting the challenge of the growing need to provide quality vision care for your patients.

To enroll, just fill in this application and mail it with your check today!

OPTOMETRIC RECOGNITION AWARD PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM

Please enter my registration for the Optometric Recognition Initial Award. Enclosed is my non-refundable check for $40 payable to the American Optometric Association (designate check “ORA”).

Send to American Optometric Association c/o ORA 243 North Lindbergh Blvd., Floor 1 St. Louis, MO 63141.

(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)

Name_________________________________________________________________________

Street_________________________________________________________________________

City___________________________________________State_________Zip_______________

Payments to AOA are not deductible as charitable contributions for Federal Income Tax purposes, but may be deductible under other provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.)


Welcome New Members

Welcome New MembersThe Missouri Optometric Association is pleased to announce the following new members. Please introduce yourself the next time you see them at an MOA sponsored event!

Sally B. Bodenhamer, O.D. Christopher J. Brenon, O.D. Kristen S. Culver, O.D. Christopher J. DeRose, O.D. Joshua A. Graf, O.D.

We also welcome these new paraoptometrics into the MOA’s Para Section:

Monica L. Crutchfield Jessica M. Dortch Karen A. Rowlett

Beginning their first steps in the honorable profession of optometry are the following student members:

Laura J. Ebbert Sukhmani K. Basra Andrew J. Biondo Dinita M. Bockhold Chris H. Boschen Lindy J. Brentlinger Erin M. Brooks Kelly J. Bugg Lara D. Bunyard Jessica A. Carson Joseph C. Castellano Christine M. Conrad Ashley R. Craven Marcus A. Cuff Kristin M. DeHaven Mark A. Havera Joshua S. Featherston Kimberly E. Folwarski

•••••

•••

••••••••••••••••••

Jill R. McNaughton, O.D. Mary A. Murphy, O.D. Jason T. Riley, O.D. Paul D. Tracy, O.D. Kristen L. Yates, O.D.

•••••

Rhonda S. Swindell Teresa A. Weidle

••

Lesley K. Horan Timothy C. Hougland Lindsey E. Huber Christine L. Huyett Jordan K. Jones Cecelia C. Koetting Megan N. Moll Kim-Khanti T. Nguyen Ryan W. Nelson John M. Peterson Katie E. Robertson Burt D. Schreiber Allison D. Smith Christopher A. Smith David P. Trujillo Nathan M. Tuttle Derek B. Wiles Duyen C. Xin

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Society Repor ts

Central Missouri Optometric SocietyTrustee: Debbie Hettler-Arbeitman, O.D., MPH, FAAO

CMOS met on October 23 at Dr. Roger Bonham’s office for a presentation by him on DSEK. He also provided dinner and had patients for the CMOS member to examine.

November 27 is scheduled at Madison’s and is sponsored by Allergan. CE will be provided on Post-op LASIK and Cataract surgery complications.

Greater Ozark Optometric SocietyTrustee: Scott Burks, OD.

In September we had our regular meeting at Mr. Yen’s in Springfield. Dr. Carol Scott gave a great presentation on “Detecting and Treating Binocular Vision Problems in the Primary Care Practice.” She was able to obtain a sponsor that paid for drinks and the dinner. On October 16 at the Oasis Convention Center in Springfield, we held our thank you dinner for all GOOS’ area legislators. We had a great turn out with 11 state representatives and 3 state senators attending. It was such a success we are planning on making it an annual event.

Genzyme will hold a CE event for GOOS members on November 8 on “Ocular Manifestations of Fabry’s Disease.” Other societies have already had Genzyme as a meeting sponsor, and GOOS is looking forward to learning about this interesting subject matter. GOOS wishes everyone a great Holiday Season.

Kansas City Optometric SocietyTrustee: John Gelvin, O.D., F.A.A.O.

The members of the OSGKC have been continuing to meet on the first Monday of each month. There will be an exception to this rule in January. The Society will be encouraging its members to be involved in the MOA Legislative Conference on January 14th. As everyone knows, this is an important meeting which will help direct the future of Optometry in the state of Missouri.

As a membership, we were blessed to host MOA President Greg Goetzinger, O.D. and MOA Executive Director Joyce Baker at our Annual Christmas Society Meeting. This meeting was once again graciously sponsored by Sutherlin Optical. We learned what issues we will be facing with the arrival of Missouri Children’s Vision law. It was nice to hear that the MOA is working closely with other groups in order to do all that we can in assisting in the formulation of Children’s Vision Commission. We are looking forward to seeing whom the Governor will be placing on this important Commission. (continued, see Society page 28)


Society , continued from page 27

The November meeting allowed the doctors of the Kansas City Society to discuss what is new in the area of advanced macular testing, diagnosis and treatments. Jeffry Gerson, O.D., F.A.A.O. lead the discussion. Dinner for the meeting was sponsored by both ZeaVision and Notal Vision. At this meeting, doctors were notified that the Society is in process of looking for the next Society Secretary/Treasurer. Those interested in the position are to notify Dr. Dana Krause. Voting on this position will take place online sometime in December.

Saint Louis Optometric SocietyTrustee: Jeffrey L. Weaver, ODAssociate Trustee: Thomas J. Cullinane, OD

SLOS is Moving!After decades at the same physical location, the Saint Louis Optometric Society will be moving our monthly meetings to the St. Louis Marriott West, effective January, 2008. Meetings will continue to be the second Tuesday evening of the month, but just off of US40/I-64 West at 660 Maryville Centre Drive. The move is just in time to avoid the traffic snarls expected with the long-term closing of a segment of US40 between I-270 and I-170.

MOA Presidential VisitThe November 13, 2007, meeting of SLOS was the annual visit of the Missouri Optometric Association President. SLOS wishes Dr. Gregory J. Goetzinger (UMSL, 1993) all the best for his year at the helm of the MOA. Dr. Levent Akduman followed the MOA presentation with one hour of continuing education on “Uveitis Overview and New Treatment Modalities.”

Lembke FundraiserMOA Trustees from SLOS, Drs. Tom Cullinane and Jeff Weaver, joined Rep. Dr. Steve Tilley at a November 29th fundraiser at the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis for Rep. Jim Lembke(R) of District 85. Rep. Lembke is running for the open Senate seat in District 1 held currently by Harry Kennedy(D), who has reached his term limits. Many MOA and SLOS ODs also contributed to the event in the hope that the 1st Senate District can be filled by a friend of Optometry.

Best wishes to all our optometry colleagues across Missouri for a safe and happy holiday season! (continued, see Society, page 29)


Society, continued from page 29

Paraoptometric SectionBernadette Mimms, President

The convention this year was a huge success with a record 96 paras in attendance. There were also a large number of paras who took advantage of the CPOT practicum being offered this year along with the CPO, CPOA, and CPOT testing.

The trustees are already busy getting ready for next year’s convention in Branson. We welcomed six new trustees at the convention this year; Elizabeth Gordon from Dr. Greene’s office in Jefferson City representing the COS, Kelly Faubion from Dr. Burton’s office in Lamar representing the SWOS, Jennifer Ross from Insight Eyecare in Warrensburg representing the WCOS, Cody Bergschneider from Dr. Cibis’ office in Kansas City representing the KCOS, Kimberly Stephens from Dr’s Karen and Steven Rosen in St Louis representing the SLOS, and Dawnella Holt from Dr Kemp’s office in Bolivar who represents the GOOS.

We still have three open trustee positions we are looking to fill; NWOS NEOS, SEOS. If anyone is interested in becoming a trustee please contact me at 417-359-0600 or email at [email protected].


2008January 13-14MOA Legislative ConferenceCapitol Plaza HotelJefferson City, MO

February 14-16Heart of AmericaKansas City, MO

April 17 - 22MOA Spring CESt. Maarten

May 8-10Midwest EyeCare ConferenceChicago, Illinois

June 25-29Optometry’s Meeting™Seattle, Washington

October 9-11MOA Annual ConventionChateau on the LakeBranson, MO

2009October 1-4MOA Annual ConventionLodge of the Four SeasonsLake Ozark, MO

Calendar of Upcoming Events


StaffExecutive DirectorJoyce [email protected]

Finance ManagerLinda [email protected]

Administrative AssistantAmanda [email protected]

Governmental Relations ConsultantsJerry W. BurchP: 573/[email protected]

J. Scott Marrs P: 573/[email protected]

Legal CounselMarc H. EllingerP: 573/[email protected]

OfficersPresidentGregory J. Goetzinger, O.D.P: 417/[email protected]

President-ElectWesley D. Kemp, O.D.P: 417/[email protected]

TreasurerRyan H. Powell, O.D.P: 816/[email protected]

SecretaryDuane A. Thompson, O.D.P: 660/[email protected]

Immediate Past PresidentThomas F. Greene, O.D. P: 573/[email protected]

Leadership & Staff


Southeast Society (9)James M. Hunt, O.D.P: 573/[email protected]

Southwest Society (7)Erica S. Burton, O.D.P: 417/[email protected]

St. Louis Society (6)Jeffrey L. Weaver, O.D.P: 314/[email protected]

St. Louis Society - Associate TrusteeThomas J. Cullinane, O.D.P: 314/[email protected]

West Central Society (4)Jason S. Lake, O.D.P: 660/[email protected]

Tr ustees

Central Society (5)Debbie Hettler-Arbeitman, O.D.P: 573/[email protected]

Greater Ozark Society (8)Scott M. Burks, O.DP: 417/[email protected]

Kansas City Society (3)John B. Gelvin, O.DP: 816/[email protected]

Northeast Society (2)Mindy M. Blackford, O.D.P: 660/[email protected]

Northwest Society (1)Steven W. Roseknak, O.D.P: 816/[email protected]

MOA Societies Map


Committees

Administrative ServicesRob Bernskoetter, O.D.P: 573/[email protected]

Affiliated OrganizationsKenneth C. Detring, O.D.P: 573/[email protected]

Clinical/EducationalBradley C. Lewis, O.D.P: 417/[email protected]

Coordinating CommitteeGregory J. Goetzinger, O.D.P: 417/[email protected]

Governmental AffairsTimothy A. Wingert, O.DP: 314/516-6058 [email protected] CulllinaneP: 314/[email protected]

Membership ServicesScott Ream, O.D.P: 417/[email protected]

Public RelationsKyle Brost, O.D.P: 573/[email protected]

Convention PlanningDuane A. Thompson, O.D.P: 660/[email protected]

Affiliated Organizations

Paraoptometric ChairBernadette MimmsP: 417/[email protected]

MOAA PresidentAmy PowellP: 816/[email protected]

MOF PresidentRex Newcomb, O.D.P: 417/[email protected]

State Board PresidentMichael L. Nichols, O.D.P: 573/[email protected]


Midwest Eyecare CongressFormally known as the Midwest Vision Congress

Continuing Education Conference

May 8-10, 2008

Hyatt RegencyO’HareRosemont, IllinoisMay 8–10, 2008

Choose from 125 continuing education hours—more than any other event in the Midwest!

To register, visit our website at: www.midwesteyecarecongress.com

For more information, call: 877-MEC CONG (877-632-2664)

2008

Convenient, high quality continuing education! The Midwest Eyecare Congress, formerly known as the Midwest Vision Congress, offers regional total office education. Choose the Optometry/Ophthalmology track or the Opticians, para and staff track, or create your own by attending sessions from both areas.

As the largest educational conference for eye care professionals in the Midwest, MEC features 125 hours of continuing education hours at an affordable price. Sessions offer practical knowledge you can implement immediately upon returning to the office. Visit www.midwesteyecarecongress.com for session details.

Presented by the North Central States Optometric Council

MEC Ad 2.indd 1 12/10/2007 1:29:44 PM


About VISION

VISION is published bimonthly by the Missouri Optometric Association.100 East High Street, Suite 301Jefferson City, Missouri 65101P: 573/635-6151

Editor of Publications: Lee Ann Barrett, O.D.1201 West BroadwayColumbia, Missouri 65203P: 573/445-8636F: 573/[email protected]

Send all unsolicited articles, news, and advertising to the MOA Central Office. All opinions and statements of supposed fact in signed articles do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Missouri Optometric Association.

Deadlines are the first of January, March, May, July, September, and November.

Also Inside MOA 2007 Annual Convention | December 2007 MOA 2007 Annual Convention The 106th Annual...

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