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Register Today for the 113th Annual Convention of the
Indiana Optometric Association
April 16 - 18, 2010
Marriott Hotel
Indianapolis, Indiana
The energy and excitement of vibrant downtown Indianapolis will serve as the backdrop for this year’s Indiana Optometric Association’s Annual Spring Convention. Speakers from around the country will travel to the downtown Marriott Hotel to take advantage of the breathtaking views of the downtown skyline and offer attendees 15 hours of the most advanced continuing education available today. Topics range from the evolution of toric soft lens fitting to neurogenic diplopia to clinical glaucoma pharmacology.
The educators will be joined by exhibitors from around the country displaying the very latest in optometric technology, fashions and medications during Saturday’s Exhibit Hall.
Just as the city offers something for everyone, so does the IOA’s 113th Annual Convention. Optometrists are encouraged to bring their staff to let them take advantage of Saturday’s spectacular selection of paraoptometric training courses. With two different tracks being offered, there will definitely be something of value for every paraoptometric. Complete information on courses and events, along with a link to the Marriott Hotel, is available online.
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The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is delaying until January 3, 2011, implementation of a controversial, new payment policy that will effectively require all health care practitioners who see Medicare Part B patients to be listed in the government health plan's national Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS).
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented an Internet-based Medicare provider enrollment process, known as Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS).
Internet-based PECOS is available to physicians, non-physician practitioners, and provider and supplier organizations in all States and the District of Columbia. Internet-based PECOS will allow physicians, non-physician practitioners, and provider and supplier organizations the option of enrolling, making a change in their Medicare enrollment information, viewing Medicare enrollment information, or tracking the status of their Medicare enrollment applications throughout the Internet submission process.
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Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) has announced the following:
Provider Bulletin BT200916, released on May 29, 2009, indicated that a change in coverage of Polycarbonate Lenses would take effect on January 1, 2010. Since that time, economic conditions have forced the Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) to change this coverage plan. The expanded coverage of polycarbonate lenses will not go into effect. The existing policy, detailed in Chapter 8, Section 4 of the IHCP Provider Manual continues to be effective.
Providers who did provide polycarbonate lenses for members age 19 years and younger for dates of service on January 1, 2010 through January 15, 2010 will be reimbursed for that service. Hoosier Healthwise (HHW) claims should be submitted to the appropriate Managed Care Organization (MCO) for historical coverage amount and then resubmitted to HP with the MCO explanation of payment (EOP) for the extended coverage amount. A special mailing address will apply.
If you have additional questions please contact HP Customer Assistance line at 317-655-3240 or 1-800-577-1278 for assistance.
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced an additional enforcement delay of the ‘Red Flags’ identity theft rule.:: continue »
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Consumers should not buy decorative contact lenses without a doctor’s prescription:: continue »
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SURETY BOND UPDATE FROM THE AOA:
:: continue »
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Elections were held to determine IOA's leadership on April 17, 2009 during IOA's Annual Convention. The officers listed below will serve until April 2010. IOA Trustess, also listed below, serve two-year terms.
IOA’s 2009-2010 Officers:
| President: |
Richard Schamerloh, OD, FAAO, Bluffton |
| President-Elect: |
Linnea Robbins-Winters, OD, New Carlisle |
| Vice President: |
Jennifer Bailey, OD, New Castle |
| Secretary-Treasurer: |
Polly Hendricks, OD, Borden |
| Immediate Past President: |
Walt Egenmaier, OD, Evansville |
IOA’s 2009-2010 Trustees:
| Northeastern |
J.B. (Jim) Stewart, OD, FAAO, Muncie |
| Northwestern |
Darren Minnich, OD, Nappanee |
| North Central |
Andrew Burkhart, OD, Kokomo |
| Central |
Brad Sutton, OD, Indianapolis |
| Southeastern |
Aaron Cunningham, OD, Martinsville |
| Western |
Todd Niemeier, OD, Evansville |
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Doctors on the Frontline of Eye & Vision Care
^ Click on the arrow above to play video
Click here to find an optometrist in your community!
Doctors of optometry (ODs) are primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.
- Doctors of optometry prescribe medications, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and perform certain procedures.
- Optometrists counsel their patients regarding surgical and non-surgical options that meet their visual needs related to their occupations, avocations, and lifestyle.
- An optometrist has completed pre-professional undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree.
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Some optometrists complete an optional residency in a specific area of practice.
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Optometrists are eye health care professionals licensed to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system.
As primary eye care providers, doctors of optometry are an integral part of the health care team, earning their doctoral degree just as dentists, podiatrists and other doctors do. Prior to admittance into optometry school, optometrists typically complete four years of undergraduate study, culminating in a bachelor’s degree. Required undergraduate coursework for pre-optometry students is extensive and covers a wide variety of advanced health, science and mathematics courses.
Optometry school consists of four years of post-graduate, doctoral level study focusing on the eye, vision and associated systemic diseases. In addition to profession-specific courses, optometrists are required to take systemic health courses that focus on a patient’s overall medical condition as it relates to the eyes.
Upon completion of optometry school, candidates graduate from their accredited college of optometry and hold the doctor of optometry (OD) degree. Optometrists must pass a rigorous national examination administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). The three-part exam includes basic science, clinical science and patient care. (The structure and format of the NBEO exams are subject to change beginning in 2008.) Some optometrists go on to complete residencies with advanced training in a specific sub-specialty. These specialties can include pediatric care, children’s vision, geriatric care, pre- and post-surgery care, specialty contact lens (for keratoconus patients or other corneal dystrophies) and many others. All optometrists are required to participate in ongoing continuing education courses to stay current on the latest standards of care.
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Have you updated your U.S. Dept. of Labor and OSHA posters? Do you want to know what's happening at the Indiana State House that could impact optometry? Do you need to find a new associate or the email address of a colleague? Sign onto the members-only side of this site today and take advantage of its many on-line resources!
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SAVE THE DATES
IOA's upcoming
educational events
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APRIL 16-18, 2010
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| IOA Annual Convention, Downtown Marriott Hotel, Indianapolis |
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JULY 14, 2010
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Electronic Health Records Preparedness,
Ritz Charles, Carmel |
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OCTOBER 6-7, 2010
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IOA Fall Seminar, IU Memorial Union,
Bloomington |
Watch this website for information on all future events.
Sponsorship opportunities available.
(317) 237-3561
If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor or sponsoring one of IOA's events, please call
317-237-3561.
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Copyright 2010 Medical News Today
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