| Monday, March 08, 2010 | Volume:2 Issue:1 |
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From the PresidentDr. Aaron Feser, President
In just a month, I will have completed my term as President of the South Dakota Optometric Society. I have really enjoyed my tenure, and have come to appreciate better the time and effort that countless members have put into the society to make it what it is today. I offer heartfelt thanks to other doctors who gave advice freely and where always there to provide information and answer questions. I am so grateful for those who served before me and remember our history and know why we are here.
The rule for all professional associations like the SDOS is that the only constant is change. Some folks think change is to be avoided, but change is what will keep SDOS vibrant and attractive to current and future members. During my tenure as president, I was blessed to serve with a board of directors that was not afraid of change. All topics were discussed logically and with one goal in mind – to make SDOS better. Rest assured that SDOS is in good hands under the direction of your board of directors and leadership. I thank each of you personally for the opportunity to serve as your president. And I ask you to continue to support the decisions of our leadership as they continue to mold SDOS into a vibrant professional organization that advances the practice of optometry in South Dakota. SDOS is always looking for new leadership. Election of district directors and officers happens every spring. Why don’t you consider sharing your time and talent with SDOS? We have an opening for a district director in district 3 (northeast South Dakota) and a slot open for Vice President. Contact me or our Executive Director Deb Mortenson if you want more details. And in closing, please make plans today to attend the 2010 Annual SDOS Spring Convention. In addition to 12 hours of approved, quality continuing education, we will also offer six hours of paraoptometric education to enhance your practice. Another big feature is the exhibit hall, with more than 35 vendors displaying top-of-the-line technology and information. This year marks the 100th SDOS convention, so plan on attending the bash scheduled for Thursday, April 22 after the continuing education seminars. Registration information can be found in the next story or at www.sdeyes.org. See you there! 2010 SDOS Spring Convention - Register Now!Make plans now to attend the 2010 SDOS Spring Convention at the Ramkota River Centre in Pierre on April 22 & 23. You won't want to miss 12 hours of approved continuing eduction, six hours of paraoptometric education, membership meeting, election of officers and a trade show jammed with the latest technology and education!
Electronic Health Records (EHR) Update
In response to member inquiries about the deadlines for Electronic Health Records, there is still a two-year window to become an early adopter in late 2011 and still potentially receive the stimulus incentive funding. The “meaningful use” standards are now in the comment process and won’t be finalized until this summer. This area is rapidly changing with new information and opportunities appearing each month. We strongly encourage members to read and educate themselves about the latest technology, then make an informed decision.
SDOS will provide a free three-hour approved seminar on EHR for members only at the 2010 Fall Conference afer the “meaningful use” regulations are adopted. If you have already purchased a system, this program will help you work with your vendor to be sure that it meets the final “meaningful use” regulations. This area is constantly changing as new information emerges and we are working with the AOA to provide ongoing education. Please don’t rely solely on vendor claims but check out vendor demos of various systems. There are many questions to ask and basic research that your practice needs to do now. Do you want something that is web-based or server-based? What about e-prescribing fees, portals necessary to connect with a Health Information Exchange, transaction fees and is it compatible with medical systems used in your community? One size doesn’t fit all. Does an opportunity exist to partner with a local health network, hospital or health information exchange that could be very cost effective? Above all, it is vital that you purchase for the needs of your office and patients, not what the vendor has on the shelve. SDOS and AOA will have ongoing updates in our publications, websites plus email alerts to keep you updated on the latest trends. Classifieds
Executive Director's ReportGreetings from the SDOS office! I have now been your Executive Director for a year and a half. It continues to be a great job and I enjoy getting to know more members and more about optometry every day.
One of the things I was asked to do when I was hired was to expand SDOS' interface with other groups and organizations. The 2010 Legislative Session has provided an opportunity to do that. SDOS was invited to a weekly lunch where all health care lobbyists discuss bills of interest. I am really enjoying getting to know the other health care lobbyists and to understand their health care issues better.
Another oppotruntiy that presented itself was the opportunity to participate in a health care trade show for legislators. Again, I was pleased to represent SDOS at this event and discuss optometry with legislators.
I hope to see many of you at the 2010 SDOS Spring Convention. Not only can you get 12 continuing education hours, but the trade show is shaping up to be the best yet. SDOS will also offer six hours of ABO-approved paraoptometric education for your staff. Also, we will celebrate the 100th SDOS convention with a bash in the trade show hall on Thursday night. You can find registration information in the story above, or on the SDOS web page www.sdeyes.org.
Young Optometrist of the Year, OD of the Year Nominations SoughtThe South Dakota Optometric Society is accepting nominations for the Young Optometrist of the Year and the OD of the Year.
Nominations for Young Optometrist should be for doctors in their first ten years of practice who show commitment to advancing optometry and SDOS by serving on committees or on the board of directors or other activities.
OD of the Year nominees will have been in practice for more than five years and will have made significant contribution to SDOS.
Please contact Deb Mortenson, SDOS Executive Director, with your nominations. She can be reached at 605-224-8199 or sdeyes3@pie.midco.net.
SDOS Seeks Members for new Lions Foundation CommitteeThe South Dakota Optometric Society is working on a partnership proposal from the South Dakota Lions Foundation. The proposal is to work together to provide an education program to South Dakota's citizens. The South Dakota Lions Foundation is developing a web-based site to offer educational programs in partnership with SD Optometrists as the first step in prevention services. SDOS is setting up a committee to assist in the development of the educational component. Dr. Brad Meier of Watertown has agreed to chair the committee. The Lions will then organize, advertise and set up community based education for SD citizens in partnership with SD Optometrists who volunteer to present the materials offered on their web site. If you are an OD and a Lions Club member, you would be a perfect fit for this committee. Even if you are not a Lions Club member and are interested, let SDOS Executive Director Deb Mortenson know. Dr. Meier will hold a Lions Committee meeting during spring convention in Pierre. Meeting details will be forwarded as they are completed.
The Benefits of SDOS MembershipSDOS has focused on developing an impressive list of benefits available to members only. Most of these benefits are designed to benefit your practice and better your bottom line. Click here for the full list. South Dakota Optometric Society Business PartnersThe South Dakota Optometric Society is proud to announce its Business Partners for 2010. Check out the footer at the bottom of the page for information on these Business Partners. Click on their logo to go to their web page or click on the link below the logo for their current advertising message. You will also find SDOS' Business Partners listed on our web site at www.sdeyes.org.
On behalf of the entire membership of the South Dakota Optometric Society, thanks to our Business Partners for their support. 2010 Calendar of Events
COPYRIGHT 2010 SOUTH DAKOTA OPTOMETRIC SOCIETY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. |
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