Eyeworld Daily News

EW SHOW DAILY 26 ASCRS News Saturday, April 14, 2018 Successful cataract surgeons simply can't ignore astigmatism, the ocular surface, and glaucoma. Where better to learn how to combine these skills than ASCRS? Likewise, ASCRS is relevant to all levels of expertise of anterior segment surgeons, whether just starting the surgical journey as a resident, fellow, or recent graduate, or in the twilight of one's career, trying to decide whether to adopt new technology. That said, it is true that ASCRS is home to some of the most accomplished anterior segment surgeons from across the globe; indeed, that is one of the society's unique strengths. Peruse a listing of former ASCRS presidents, and you will find some of the most accom- plished surgical instructors ever as- sembled. ASCRS is first and foremost about surgical instruction. But it is so much more, including advocacy, practice management, and collegiali- ty with our industry partners. ASCRS has an unmatched curriculum for anterior segment surgical instruc- tion. All anterior segment surgeons can find a home within ASCRS, from the most novice to the supremely accomplished surgeon now wanting to give back to those less experi- enced. Another initiative that I would like to pursue is to follow the lead of my predecessor Bonnie Henderson, MD, to help ensure that the ASCRS leadership and its governing bodies reflect the makeup of its member- ship in terms of gender and racial diversity. Currently, 24% percent of ASCRS members are women, and more broadly, half of those entering While it is naive to underestimate the crisis we face concerning the cost of medical care, physicians are often unable to offer the best proce- dure for individual patients because of oversimplified and overapplied broad labeling and reimbursement limitations. I think that physicians should be empowered to advocate for patients when consensus opin- ion reflects a changing treatment paradigm, even if it requires ex- panding the original indications for surgery beyond the strict labeling. Labeling and reimbursement should be separate issues, and often they are not. ASCRS has been a leader in this effort to support surgeons on this issue. EyeWorld: What will you focus on during your time as ASCRS presi- dent? Dr. Samuelson: I would like to help change perceptions. Survey results have informed us that some think that ASCRS is an organization primarily for high volume, high profile cataract surgeons. The fact is, ASCRS is the society representing all of anterior segment surgery and all anterior segment surgeons. The boundaries among cataract, cornea, glaucoma, and refractive surgery have melted away in recent years. In 2018, all cataract surgeons need to be refractive cataract surgeons, mindful of astigmatism and the health of the cornea and ocular sur- face. In 2018, all cataract surgeons must pay attention to glaucoma and be conversant if not proficient with the new offerings in the MIGS space. EyeWorld: What are some of the most important recent initiatives from ASCRS? Dr. Samuelson: There are too many to name, but some that come to mind include the fantastic work that David Chang, MD, and Nick Mamalis, MD, have completed to help validate the short cycle sterilization process. Anyone who operates in an ASC owes a huge debt of gratitude to Nick, David, and Nancey McCann, [ASCRS director of government affairs], among others. ASCRS played an enormously im- portant role in this ongoing effort. Another is the effort spearheaded by Doug Rhee, MD, researching the effectiveness of intracameral antibi- otics with cataract surgery. Finally, the ongoing efforts of Nancey and Brock Bakewell, MD, on the legisla- tive front are incredibly timely and important. EyeWorld: What do you see as some of the biggest challenges facing ophthalmology in the coming years? What can ophthalmologists and/or ASCRS do to help better face these challenges? Dr. Samuelson: While this answer may be a bit parochial to my field of glaucoma, I think that the issues we face in glaucoma affect a large share of anterior segment surgeons. Specifically, it seems that on a daily basis my ability to care for patients is encumbered by device-specific labeling and reimbursement limita- tions. Simply stated, non-physicians have too much influence on which procedures we can offer our patients. T homas Samuelson, MD, a founding partner of Minnesota Eye Consultants, Minneapolis, will become the new ASCRS president during today's ASCRS Opening Gen- eral Session. Dr. Samuelson spoke with EyeWorld about his involve- ment with ASCRS and this year's upcoming plans. EyeWorld: How and when did you first become involved in ASCRS? Dr. Samuelson: In the mid- to late- 1990s, one of my research inter- ests was IOP biocompatibility. We published a study that compared later-generation silicone materials to the emerging acrylic lens materials and found some important, repro- ducible, and enduring findings. I was asked to present our paper at ASCRS. I attended my first meeting in the late 1990s, discovered the wealth of anterior segment surgical riches at the meeting, and never looked back. I don't think that I have missed a meeting ever since. I quickly became involved in the Glaucoma Clinical Committee, ini- tially chaired by Brad Shingleton, MD, and later Reay Brown, MD. They put me to work, and I have loved every minute of it. Incoming president says ASCRS is the 'consummate resource' for anterior segment surgeons continued on page 28 Thomas Samuelson, MD www.ASCRS.org/MacraHotline

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