Dr. Sohail Hasan Represents Illinois Retina Associates at the 2025 AAO Annual Meeting
Dr. Sohail Hasan Represents Illinois Retina Associates and Retina Consultants of America at the AAO Annual Meeting in Orlando
This past weekend, Sohail J. Hasan, MD, PhD, of Illinois Retina Associates and Retina Consultants of America (RCA), played a leading role at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida — one of the largest and most influential gatherings of eye physicians and surgeons worldwide.
Dr. Hasan serves as Chair of the AAO’s Ophthalmology Political Action Committee (OPHTHPAC) and Chair of the RCA Advocacy Committee, placing him at the forefront of national efforts to protect patient access to sight-saving care and strengthen ophthalmology’s voice in Washington, D.C.
Over the course of the meeting, Dr. Hasan:
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Represented Illinois Retina Associates and Retina Consultants of America at the AAO Fall Council Meeting, helping shape national policy discussions.
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Hosted the OPHTHPAC Committee Dinner on Thursday, October 16, bringing together physician advocates from across the country.
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Led the RCA Advocacy Committee Dinner on Friday, October 17, coordinating national advocacy priorities across the RCA network.
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Delivered a major Retina Subspecialty Day presentation on Saturday, October 18, titled “Protect America’s Eyesight: A United Vision for Ophthalmology’s Future.”
- His talk urged ophthalmologists to take an active role in shaping healthcare policy rather than leaving advocacy to others.
- Dr. Hasan emphasized the need for long-term Medicare payment stability, greater engagement in advocacy efforts, and collective action to secure ophthalmology’s future.
- “The future of ophthalmology depends on unity and advocacy,” Dr. Hasan said. “Stop waiting for someone else — we are the someone else.”
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Attended and mentored at the Advocacy Ambassador Reunion, where he reconnected with alumni of the AAO Advocacy Ambassador Program and members of the YO Advocacy Subcommittee, sharing guidance with young ophthalmologists who are active in state and national advocacy efforts.
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Co-hosted the OPHTHPAC and State Governmental Affairs Reception later that evening, celebrating the impact of advocacy leaders and contributors across the country.
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Chaired the OPHTHPAC Committee Meeting on Sunday, October 19, leading strategy discussions on upcoming legislative priorities and engagement initiatives.
Throughout the weekend, Dr. Hasan met with colleagues, AAO leadership, and the Academy’s Washington, D.C. advocacy team to advance initiatives that safeguard access to high-quality, patient-centered eye care.
“It’s always an honor to represent both Illinois Retina Associates and Retina Consultants of America at the AAO meeting,” said Dr. Hasan. “Advocacy is how we protect our patients, strengthen our profession, and ensure ophthalmology’s future for generations to come.”
Illinois Retina Associates congratulates Dr. Hasan on his continued leadership, mentorship, and service to the profession.
Photos from the meeting are included below.
Photo 1: Dr. Sohail Hasan delivers his Retina Subspecialty Day presentation, “Protect America’s Eyesight: A United Vision for Ophthalmology’s Future,” at the 2025 American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting in Orlando.
