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DATE:
November 18, 2004
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Neal Atebara, MD; Joyce Cassen,
MD; Percival Chee, MD; Steven Clason, MD; Stephen Gee, MD; Malcolm Ing, MD;
Gregg Kokame, MD; Allen Kunimoto, MD; Samuel Lo, MD; Anthony Martyak, MD;
Tim McDevitt, MD; Calvin Miura, MD; George Nardin, M.D.; John Olkowski, MD;
George Plechaty, MD; Jon Portis, MD; David Randell, MD; Peter Roney, MD;
Susan Senft, MD; Rhoads Stevens, MD; Byron Wong, MD; Vernon Wong, MD.
GUESTS: Dan Briceland, MD—Associate Director of State
Affairs/AAO, Frank Bickford, John Radcliffe.
The meeting was called to order at 7:11 PM by Susan Senft, MD, President of
HOS.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as distributed.
OLD BUSINESS:
Legislative update: Dr. Senft reviewed recent developments in
Oklahoma where Governor Brad Henry did sign an optometric scope of practice
bill into law. This law allows ODs to perform a number of surgical
procedures including YAG capsulotomy, radial keratotomy, pterygium surgery,
lid surgery, PRK, anterior chamber tap, periocular and intraocular
injections, retinal detachment surgery with scleral buckling, cataract
surgery but not phaco. There are 12 states that currently have optometrists
who have been licensed in Oklahoma. The AAO has spent considerable resources
in opposing this bill. Dr.George Plechaty reported that at the State Affairs
forum at the AAO meeting this year the discussion included the fact that
sixty four representatives and five senators officially sponsored the
Veterans Eye Safety act. Sponsors included Representative Ed Case of Hawaii.
Unfortunately the bill will have to be reintroduced next year. There has
been some scope of practice victories for the AAO in several states.
The HOS Website: Members should contact Dr. Peter Roney if
they are having problems logging in to the site or do not have access to the
HOS minutes and announcements.
PAAO Meeting / Twinning symposium: Jorge Camara, MD and Susan
Senft, MD will be attending and representing our society in a joint
symposium in conjunction with the Brazilian Society of Ophthalmology to be
held in Santiago, Chile March 18-21, 2005.
Project Kokua—Iraq: In the past, funds were allocated for
shipment of ophthalmology texts, CD- Roms, etc. to Iraq, however, due to the
instability of the situation and security issues, Michael Brennan, MD of the
AAO, suggests that the HOS monetarily support the Iraqi MDs’ effort to sit
for their ophthalmology board qualifying exams. It will cost approximately
$20 for each ophthalmologist to take the exam and they expect about sixty
doctors to apply for examination. A motion to do this was made and passed by
the membership in lieu of shipping educational items to Iraq at present.
Lions Club Diabetic Screening Van: Dr. Malcolm Ing announced
that a sign-up sheet is available for ophthalmologists to sign up for
referral. A list was circulated for members at the meeting and will be
posted on the Website. Dan Briceland, MD mentioned that there is information
from the AAO regarding support for programs like this. Dr. Ing mentioned
that some patients may not be insured and that members who volunteer must be
ready to accept these patients as well.
NEW BUSINESS:
John Radcliffe, who has been selected as the HOS lobbyist gave an overview
of his background and thoughts regarding future efforts to advance our
Society’s goal of ensuring that ophthalmic surgery is performed by MDs.
Frank Bickford, the new Executive Director introduced himself and his plans
for a grass roots political program on behalf of Ophthalmology.
David Young, MD, who has completed his one year as an HOS provisional
member, was elected to full membership in the HOS.
The nominating committee presented a slate of new officers which include
Peter Roney, MD-President, Michael Bennett, MD-Vice President, Joyce Cassen,
MD-Secretary, George Nardin, MD-Treasurer, John Olkowski, MD-Member at
Large, and Jon Portis, MD will remain as Councilor. The slate of officers
was approved by the membership as nominated.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The HOS Christmas party will be held at Roy’s Restaurant on
December 9, 2004 at 6:30 pm. The membership agreed that member’s guests
will be billed for the price of the dinner.
The Glaucoma Screening will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2005, from 1-3
pm. Anyone who wants to be listed should call Dr. Steve Clason at 591-9393
no later than December 9, 2004.
Dr. Gregg Kokame announced that there will be three upcoming retina
meetings: 11/20/04, 12/2/04, and 1/15/05, all at the Halekulani Hotel.
Please see the HOS Website for details.
Please be advised that the next meeting of the Hawaii Ophthalmological
Society will occur at the Christmas party on December 9, 2004.
Dan Briceland, MD, AAO Associate Secretary for State Affairs presented a
lecture entitled “State of the States” which was well received by the
membership.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted
Peter A. Roney, MD
Secretary
Hawaii Ophthalmological Society |
