Eyeworld Daily News

EW SHOW DAILY 4 Saturday, April 18, 2015 ASCRS News Today EyeWorld: What are the biggest challenges that you see ophthal- mologists facing in the coming years? Dr. Cionni: In addition to the ones outlined above, there are many technologies being developed out- side of the U.S. due to government overregulation here in the U.S. Also, the ever-aging population means that ophthalmologists will not be able to care for everyone. Optomet- ric care will be needed to help with eyecare delivery. We need to be able to provide a road map for optome- trists and ophthalmologists to work together toward a common goal without constantly fighting over turf. EyeWorld: How do you think ASCRS will respond to those challenges? Dr. Cionni: ASCRS will continue to collaborate with other similar societies around the globe to keep us up to date with all the new technol- ogies. We will also continue to reach out to our members to become more involved in advocacy. EW R obert J. Cionni, MD, a world-renowned expert in the field of cataract surgery and medical di- rector of The Eye Institute of Utah, Salt Lake City, will assume his role as the 30th president of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) during the 2015 ASCRS•ASOA Symposium & Congress. He currently serves as ASCRS vice president and will replace the outgoing president, Richard A. Lewis, MD, Sacramen- to, Calif. Dr. Cionni will deliver the incoming president's address during today's ASCRS Opening General Session. In a career spanning more than 25 years, Dr. Cionni has pioneered some of the most advanced tech- niques in his field. He is widely published and continues to be an invited speaker at ophthalmic meetings worldwide (see sidebar). Dr. Cionni recently took some time to speak with EyeWorld about his involvement with ASCRS, challenges in ophthalmology, and plans for the upcoming year. EyeWorld: How and when did you originally get involved with ASCRS? Dr. Cionni: ASCRS has been so im- portant in my career development. I am grateful to Robert Osher (MD) for introducing me to this organi- zation as I came out of residency. I have been a member since my first year in practice, 1989. ASCRS quickly became one of my main av- enues for learning about the newest techniques and technologies that now provide improved outcomes for my patients. As time went by, ASCRS also provided me tremendous insight into managing a practice and navigating the pressures brought on by ever-changing regulations. EyeWorld: How is ASCRS unique compared to other ophthalmic organizations? Dr. Cionni: There's a concentration on anterior segment surgery and promoting the advancement of eyecare. This means that ASCRS was and continues to be the best society available to keep me in touch with the newest techniques and develop- ments in anterior segment surgery. EyeWorld: How have you seen ASCRS change over the years? Dr. Cionni: The addition of other subspecialties such as glaucoma and retina have strengthened the educa- tional rewards. Active involvement in government issues has helped us as ophthalmologists to maintain the ability to advance excellent care. The association with other similar societies across the globe allows us to stay in touch with developments around the world. EyeWorld: What are your goals for your year as president? Dr. Cionni: I would like to see ASCRS members become more involved in advocacy and I plan to push this agenda. Despite all we can do by learning about the newest technologies and techniques, we re- main restricted by regulations, often resulting in U.S. patients receiving needed treatments years later than in other countries—or not getting them at all. Costs for delivering eyecare continue to increase despite decreasing reimbursement. These increased costs are often fueled by needless regulations that do noth- ing to improve the quality of care. Unless we all get involved, this will only get worse. I would like to continue (previous ASCRS president) Eric Donnenfeld (MD)'s and (current ASCRS president) Rick Lewis (MD)'s agendas of getting eye physicians in- volved earlier in their career. Finally, I would like to see all of our mem- bers involved in the humanitarian arm of ASCRS, the ASCRS Founda- tion. In addition to our interna- tional outreach program headed by David Chang (MD), we now have a domestic arm headed by Steve Lane (MD). Contributing to the Foundation and participating in the humanitarian opportunities should be a goal of all of our members. Incoming ASCRS President Robert J. Cionni, MD, weighs in on opportunities, challenges Background S ince becoming a member in 1989, Dr. Cionni has presented or instructed at 26 consecutive ASCRS•ASOA Symposium & Congress meetings. Dr. Cionni served as chairman of the Practice Management Clinical Committee and as a reviewer of the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (JCRS). In addition to his current role at The Eye Institute of Utah, Dr. Cionni is an adjunct clinical professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Utah's John A. Moran Eye Center in Salt Lake City. Prior to his time in Utah, he was the medical director of one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the country, the Cincinnati Eye Institute. Concurrent with his active involvement in ASCRS, Dr. Cionni is a board-certified fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is also a member of the American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgeons, the International Intra-Ocular Implant Club, and the Utah Medical Association. Dr. Cionni is actively involved with the Utah Ophthalmology Society, serving on its education committee, editorial board, and as a reviewer for numerous journals. Dr. Cionni received his medical degree at the University of Cincinnati and completed his residency at the University of Louisville in 1989. Following residency, he completed a fellowship in anterior segment surgery with Dr. Osher at the Cincinnati Eye Institute, specializing in complex cataract surgery, lens implants, and refractive surgery. Robert J. Cionni, MD by Vanessa Caceres EyeWorld Contributing Writer

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