Veterans Issues, Children’s Policies, FDA Symposium Are Keynote Events

WASHINGTON— The governmental affairs division of the American Academy of Ophthalmology is hosting several important events at the 2005 Annual Meeting, including a new symposium on the Department of Veterans Affairs, and a panel discussion on the Food and Drug Administration’s application and review process.

The governmental affairs division events are:

• Surgery by Surgeons Forum, Oct. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  The forum will take place during the first General Session of the Academy’s Council Meeting and is open to all members. The program covers issues occurring at the state level that may affect the ability of ophthalmologists to deliver quality eye care, and the continuing challenges to the scope of practice. Rep. Fred Morgan, Chair of the Okla. House Judiciary Committee is one of the featured speakers at the forum.
• FDA Symposium, Oct. 16, from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.
  An overview of medical device and drug regulation will be presented, including a discussion of the application and review process. In addition, the latest legislative and regulatory developments will also be discussed. The panel will include representatives of the FDA.
• Children’s Vision Symposium, Politics and Money in Children’s Eye Care, Oct. 17, from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.
  This symposium examines how politics and money are driving the delivery of children’s eye care. Highlights include a review of the recent push by organized optometry and eye glass frame manufacturers at both the federal and state levels for mandatory comprehensive pre-K vision exams, new data supportive of screening, and nationwide public relations campaigns focusing on infant eye care.
• What’s New at the VA: Exciting Opportunities for Ophthalmologists, Oct. 17, from 12:45 to 2:15 p.m.
  This symposium features a panel discussion about new physician pay levels, research opportunities and other exciting developments for Eye M.Ds within the Veterans Health Administration. Ophthalmologists currently practicing at the VA are part of the discussion panel.