Dr. Sohail Hasan leads OPHTHPAC Speaker Series Event September, 2024
We are excited to share that Dr. Sohail Hasan, MD, PhD, FACS, FASRS, FRCSC hosted another highly informative and impactful OPHTHPAC Speaker Series event on September 25, 2024. The virtual gathering was attended by ophthalmologists from across the country, many of whom are leaders in the field, as they engaged with guest speaker Dr. Herb Conaway, a dedicated healthcare advocate and current candidate for Congress.
Dr. Hasan opened the event by emphasizing the importance of OPHTHPAC in giving ophthalmologists a voice in the political process and ensuring critical issues like Medicare reimbursement, scope of practice, and access to care are addressed. Dr. Conaway, a long-time champion for healthcare in the New Jersey state legislature, was introduced as the evening’s honored guest. He shared his insights on several critical healthcare issues affecting ophthalmologists and patients nationwide.
Among the key topics discussed were:
Pediatric Access to Care: Attendees raised concerns about the limited access to care for children. Dr. Conaway was asked about his work in the New Jersey state legislature to expand access for pediatric care and general healthcare services. He discussed initiatives he supported to improve care for underserved populations, particularly children, in the state.
Medicare Payment Cuts: With a nearly 3% reduction in Medicare payment for physicians set to take effect in 2025 unless Congress intervenes, attendees inquired about solutions to create a more stable Medicare system. Dr. Conaway addressed the challenges posed by yearly Medicare cuts and proposed long-term approaches to stabilize Medicare funding.
Scope of Practice in the VA: A crucial topic covered was the VA’s community care program modification, allowing referrals to optometrists in a small number of states for surgical eye care. Dr. Conaway has been a staunch supporter of protecting patient safety by ensuring only ophthalmologists perform eye surgeries and laser treatments. He shared his continued dedication to prioritizing patient safety.
Prior Authorization: The discussion also focused on the burdens of prior authorization and the House of Representatives’ efforts to pass the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act. Dr. Conaway offered his thoughts on addressing these challenges and discussed additional avenues for reducing the impact of prior authorization delays on patient care.
Step Therapy: Finally, Dr. Conaway was asked about the Safe Step Act, which aims to bring transparency to the step therapy process and ensure patients have basic protections, especially those in ERISA-governed plans. Dr. Conaway shared his perspective on step therapy and indicated his support for measures that improve patient access to timely care.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, where Dr. Conaway provided thoughtful responses and discussed his plans to continue advocating for physicians and patients at the federal level.
Stay tuned for more updates from the OPHTHPAC Speaker Series as we continue to engage with legislative leaders who are working to support the future of ophthalmology.
Below is a screenshot from the virtual meeting, which included distinguished ophthalmologists from across the country.
