N J S O Pe - n e w s l e t t e r

Issue 36 - Summer 2013

In T

his

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NJ Health Information Network to begin in 2014Find out how NJHIN will make sharing patient info easier

More on ACO’s and how the AOA is helpingWith links to previous articles on ACO basics

Vision USA Pilot Program brings changeby Dr. Paul Berman

Special Olympics Summer Games 2013Check out the photos from Opening Eyes!

The NJ State Department of Health announced on July 15th it has awarded $1.57 million to a group of health organizations to create and operate a statewide network that will enable the sharing of electronic medical records among doctors.

“The creation of the New Jersey Health Information Network will further expand the use of health information technology and health information exchange to better coordinate patient care in our state,” said Mary O’Dowd, the state’s commissioner of health. “NJHIN will allow appropriate healthcare providers across the state to have electronic access to patient information such as medical histories, medication allergies and lab test results at the point of care.”

The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Healthcare providers will connect to the network through their regional health information organization, which is a group of physician offices, hospitals, and labs.

The system is expected to begin in early 2014. The network will initially connect approximately 2,000 providers, which will increase over time.

NJ Health Information Network to begin in early 2014

The NJHIN coalition that received this grant award includes the following members:

• Jersey Health Connect, the coalition lead and a health information organization that connects northern and central New Jersey healthcare providers;

• Health-e-cITi-NJ, a health information organization that connects greater Newark area providers;

• Camden HIE, a health information organization that connects Camden area providers;

• NJSHINE, a health information organization that connects southern New Jersey healthcare providers;

• Virtua, an integrated delivery network based in southern New Jersey; and

• NJ-HITEC, New Jersey’s regional extension center dedicated to helping office-based physicians adopt and demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health record technology.

The NJSOP is sponsoring a Members Only program (details available here) on August 21st which will provide an opportunity for discussion on electronic medical records and what NJ Optometrists need to do to be part of the statewide network.

u p c om i n g e v e n ts

MEMBERS ONLY FREE-EVENT

August 21, 2013

Hamilton, New Jersey

Details Here

TOPICS INCLUDE:

Doctor Driven DispensingDr. Peter H. Kehoe

More Choices with Transitions LensesErin Michelotti

EHR Overview & OptionsDr. Dan Baruffi

Therapy by the Sea

September 20-22, 2013

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Register Here

ODs can earn up to 18 CE credits at this weekend-long event!

Featured courses include a Laser Track(sponsored by TLC Laser Eye Centers)

Paraoptometrics can earn up to 7 AOA CPC credits on Saturday, 9.21.13More information on Pg. 9

Fall CENovember 6, 2013

Manalapan, New Jersey

Save the Date! New Location! More details coming soon!

The AOA has made the elimination of barriers to OD participation in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) a top priority. The result has been important gains for the profession that are reflected in the regulation implementing the new health care law and new opportunities being explored by optometrists related to value-based care models and pioneering partnerships with other providers.

As was first reported in the May 24 AOA First Look, a volunteer workgroup coordinated by the AOA’s Third Party Center is now working to develop a resource toolkit and practical guide for optometrists who are interested in exploring ACO participation.

The workgroup is nearing the completion of its product – a toolkit of educational materials and other resources that detail what optometrists need to know and what to do when engaging with ACOs.

The first article, entitled “What Optometrists Need to Know about ACOs”, can be found here. The workgroup’s latest installment, “What Optometrists Need to Do about ACOs”, can be found here.

The AOA’s overarching goal is to help its member optometrists gain full access to these new ACOs and other value-based care delivery models.

To be sure, current national health policy and major sections of the Affordable Care Act support a shift toward integrated, coordinated, and accountable care. Many ACOs have already been formed and are operational, and many more are currently being formed. Market penetration of ACO coverage is expected to increase considerably over the next few years. Right now, approximately 250 ACOs are accountable for the cost and quality of care for more than four million Medicare beneficiaries (roughly 10 percent), with more Medicare ACOs expected to come online next year. Additionally, more than 400 ACOs and ACO-like private entities that are engaged in value-based contracting activities with commercial insurers and large employer-based health plans are thought to be involved in thousands of private contractual arrangements covering more than 30 million Americans, or approximately ten percent of the U.S. population.

Ultimately, gaining ACO inclusion in most cases will be up to the local optometrist. For its part, though, the AOA will continue to advocate for ODs

to be included in these and other value-based care models in a way that allows ODs to practice at the full scope of their license.

At the same time, the AOA will keep its focus on the integration of eye health and vision care in all health plans that work with ACO-like entities in value-based insurance arrangements, and will continue working to make organizations, groups, and associations involved in ACO development and management aware of OD interest and the potential role of ODs in ACOs, ensuring that those organizations turn to the AOA and state affiliates for help when attempting to involve ODs.

Meanwhile, AOA’s wholly-owned subsidiary AOA Excel™ will continue implementing a plan to provide related information technology and connectivity tools that will support various models of OD integration into ACOs.

Questions about the ACO workgroup and the coming ACO Toolkit for Optometrists should be directed to TPC@aoa.org.

Originally published in AOA First Look on June 7, 2013. If you are not currently receiving or are having trouble with your AOA First Look subscription, contact Laurie Bergman at (314) 983-4106.

More on ACOs and How The AOA is HelpingDavid Redman, OD

SAVE THE DATE

NJSOP’s Fall CENovember 6, 2013Battleground Country Club

Manalapan, New Jersey

Christopher J. Quinn, O.D., F.A.A.O.PresidentLICENSE #NJOA00466000

Michael J. Veliky, O.D.Center DirectorLICENSE #27OA0052099

Allison LaFata, O.D.Center DirectorLICENSE #NJ27OA00606100

James P. Milite, M.D.Oculoplastic and Reconstructive SurgeryLICENSE #NJ25MA06981000

Martin L. Fox, M.D., F.A.C.SCornea and Refractive SurgeryLICENSE #NJ25MA04165200

Douglas K. Grayson, M.D., F.A.C.S.Medical DirectorChief of Glaucoma and Cataract SurgeryLICENSE #NJ25MA06225100

Burton J, Wisotsky, M.D.Medical DirectorChief of Retina and Vitreous SurgeryLICENSE #N25MA06274100

John F. Insinga, O.D., F.A.A.O.Center DirectorLICENSE #NJOA00549300

George W. Veliky, O.D.Center DirectorLICENSE #NJ27OA00561500

Joseph D. Napolitano, M.D.Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus and Adult Motility DisordersLICENSE #NJ25MA05203100

I S E L I N

485 Route 1 SouthBuilding AIselin, NJ 08830 (732) 750-0400(732) 602-0749 Fax

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218 Route 17 NorthRochelle Park, NJ 07662 (201) 368-2444(201) 368-0254 Fax

P A R S I P P A N Y

2200 Route 10 WestParsippany, NJ 07054 (973) 538-7400(973) 538-3007 Fax

W E S T O R A N G E

475 Prospect AvenueWest Orange, NJ 07052 (973) 325-6734(973) 325-6738 Fax

Specialized treatments are available for your patients:Cataract, Glaucoma, Retina, Oculoplastic, Cornea, Refractive, Pediatric, Strabismus and Adult Motiliy Disorders, Neuro-Ophthalmolon

E x t e n d i n g t h e p o w e r o f y o u r p r a c t i c e .

475 Prospect AvenueWest Orange, NJ 07052

(973) 325-3475(973) 325-3478 Fax

Twitter: @Beyond_LASIKFacebook: ClarityRefractive www.clarityrefractive.com

Twitter: @omnieyeFacebook: OmniEyeServiceswww.omnieyeservices.com

Martin L. Fox, M.D., F.A.C.SCornea and Refractive SurgeryLICENSE #NJ25MA04165200

Shanda Ross, O.D.Clinical DirectorLICENSE #NJ270M00073200

Special OlympicsLions Club

International Opening Eyes of NJ

Special Olympics NJ Summer Games 2013

More pictures on pg. 14!

P h o t o R e c a p : N J S O P H a p p e n i n g s

Thank you to our 2013Industry Partners

Diamond Level

Gold Level

Silver Level

Bronze Level

P h o t o R e c a p : N J S O P H a p p e n i n g s

Graduation Celebration!

Dr. Vincent Gamuzza takes the Optometric Oath at his graduation celebration in June. With him, are his father and NJSOP Executive Director, Howard Cooper (far right). Dr. Gamuzza joined the NJSOP upon graduating from Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry.

Summer CE in Spring Lake, NJ

As a long time provider of VISION USA, I was always surprised how few patients I would see. I never met anywhere near my quota.

When Dr. Randy Brooks was President of the AOA, he was kind enough to ask me to be on the founding board of what became Optometry Cares, the AOA Foundation. One of the first things we discussed was the challenges of VISION USA because there was no funding for it. As the board and I agreed, we wanted to do good things for the profession and for people, and VISION USA was one of those things we wanted to see thrive. CIBA (now Alcon) agreed to fund the administrative costs for a while to keep it alive.

Simultaneously, the folks at Essilor were discussing what to do about refractive error for persons with low income. They came up with a concept, after discussions with Lions, for the “Lions Lens”, a low cost polycarbonate lens for low income individuals.

Through the incredible efforts of President Al Brewer of the NJ Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (NJLERC), it became one of the pilots for VISION USA. The local Lions and NJLERC have combined to offer VISION USA providers eyewear at no cost for qualified applicants.

Previous to this pilot program, there were basically two things that seemed to bother VISION USA -participating ODs. Most did not mind donating the exam, but then they had to obtain glasses. So now, NJ Lions and the NJ Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center, Lions Clubs International Foundation, and the Essilor Vision Foundation are all working together, with the help of our own NJSOP, to publicize the program to make it better.

A sample kit of frames will be delivered to participating

ODs and the Lions Clubs of NJ or NJ Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center will provide the lenses. You can visit the website at http://www.njlerc.org to download the Optometrists Instruction Sheet for more details; an order form is available as well. The patients will come in with an eyecare provider form.

Another problem I noticed previous to the pilot program was income verification. Optometrists would become annoyed (rightfully so) when someone with a nicer car than them would come in for a free eye exam. From this point forward, income will be verified by VISION USA or attested to by the local Lions Clubs. There will always be people who work the system, but this should definitely minimize it.

There will be no changes to your current commitment of people that you are willing to see. Hopefully, VISION USA, which began with such promise with Former Secretary of State General Colin Powell, will continue to grow in these challenging times with less cost to the providing OD.

Thank you for participating in this pilot and to all VISION USA providers, thank you!

If you are currently not a provider of VISION USA and would like to join, please click the banner below for a provider application and additional details.

VISION USA Pilot Program Brings Welcome ChangePaul Berman, OD, FAAO

Click for information about VISION USA.

THERAPY BY THE SEAOffering 3 days of optometric continuing education

and 1 full day of paraoptometric coursework

September 20-22, 2013 Atlantic City, New Jersey●

Dr. Paul Freeman Dr. Jack RichmanDr. Scot Morris

Dr. Jim Thimons Dr. William Tullo Dr. George Veliky

Featured Speakers

Everything I Didn’t Know About Pupil Assessment Past, Present & Future! (2 NJSBO TPA Credits)

You Are What you Eat, Nutritional Optometry (2 NJSBO TPA Credits)

Advances in Anterior Segment Medical &

Surgical Management (2 NJSBO Oral Credits)

Ocular Manifestations of Systemic Disease Grand

Rounds(2 NJSBO TPA Credits)

Pediatric Low Vision Care (2 NJSBO TPA Credits)

To Drive or Not to Drive? That is the Question

(1 NJSBO Regular Credit)

Course Preview

Plus, the Saturday Laser Track!(7 Credits, includes hands-on lab)

Sponsored by View the complete course schedule and register online here!

and more!

Salus University’s commencement held on Sunday, May 26 at the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall marked the end of an era for the healthcare education community. After 24 years of thoughtful and progressive leadership, Dr. Thomas L. Lewis, OD, PhD oversaw his final commencement as president before he passed the baton to his successor.

Stepping into this new role in mid-July is Rear Admiral Michael H. Mittelman, OD, MPH, who brings over 30 years of healthcare industry experience in both military and civilian posts.

Dr. Mittelman addressed students and faculty during the keynote speech, before participating in a ceremonial gowning, where he received the chain of office from Dr. Lewis.

Prior to assuming the presidency in 1989, Dr. Lewis, a 1970 graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, spent 17 years in the halls of the school as an anatomy professor, dean and vice president. He accepted his appointment as president for one simple reason: “I thought I could have more impact more quickly and effectively.”

Dr. Lewis’ efforts to move the Pennsylvania College of Optometry from a single-purpose school to a multi-purpose institution led to the establishment of Salus University in 2008, which now offers 13 accredited degree programs.

During his tenure as the institution’s second-longest serving president, Dr. Lewis was the primary motivation behind the University’s move from Oak Lane to the new Elkins Park campus. He also oversaw the building of the Hafter Student Community Center and renovation of The Eye Institute, the University’s largest clinical teaching facility.

Dr. Lewis views his retirement not as the end of his career, but as merely the beginning of the next chapter and he has not closed the door on the possibility of returning to teaching. In the meantime he enjoys his time with Harriet, his wife of 45 years, their two children and five grandchildren.

Taking on the challenge of filling such big shoes is Deputy Surgeon General of the Navy, Dr. Michael H. Mittelman, who will retire from the Navy next month after 32 years of service. A 1980 graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Dr. Mittelman is a fellow of both the American College of Healthcare

Executives and the American Academy of Optometry. Throughout his military career, Dr. Mittelman has been stationed around the world and boasts a curriculum vitae that includes posts such as Director of the Medical Service Corps, Command Surgeon for the U.S. Joint Forces Command and US Pacific command, and Deputy Chief of Staff, Human Resources for the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.

When asked about the daunting task of succeeding Dr. Lewis and the future of Salus University, Dr. Mittelman displays focus, decisiveness and passion. “I believe Salus holds a very unique and important place in helping to shape America’s healthcare environment. It is my very clear and absolute goal to propel Salus University to beyond what it is today; to the next level of excellence; to become the leading provider of the best-trained health, education and rehabilitation professionals in the country,” says Dr. Mittelman, who has outlined a plan to expand the university’s academic portfolio.

Currently residing in the Washington, DC area, Dr. Mittelman views his return to the area as a coming home. “This is where my professional career began,” he says. “Dr. Lewis was not only my teacher and mentor, but also someone whom I have always deeply respected and admired. I feel extremely honored and privileged to lead this great institution.” Dr. Mittelman and his wife Tanis have three daughters.

Salus University’s Spring 2013 Commencement awarded the degrees of Doctor of Optometry, Doctor of Audiology, Master of Education in Blindness and Visual Impairment, Master of Science in Low Vision Programs, Master of Public Health and the international Master of Science in Clinical Optometry to 220 Students.

Salus University President, Dr. Michael H. Mittleman with outgoing

president, Thomas H. Lewis

New Leadership at Salus University

Downloadable PowerPoint presentations for every topicIf you’re in need of a presentation for a public speaking engagement or patient education, look no further than NJSOP.org!NJSOP members have access to PowerPoint presentations on a variety of subjects including• Diabetes• AMD & Low Vision• Seasonal Allergies• Glaucoma and more!

Click here to view the list of downloadable presentations. Member login & password required.

2013 Membership Campaign

+

The NJSOP membership stands at 661 licensed ODs. Over the next three years, the society aims to increase that number by 10% per year.

If you recruit new members...

3...The Society will

$pay your 2014NJSOP & AOADues in full.

Referring OD must be named on page 2 of the membership

application to receive credit.

Congratulations to the following NJSOP members on recently becoming

Diplomates of the American Board of Optometry:

Dr. Maria Cardona - Paramus, NJDr. Nazreen Esack - Iselin, NJ

Dr. Chani Miller - Highland Park, NJDr. Joseph Potosky - West Berlin, NJ

Dr. Michael Schwartz - Highland Park, NJDr. James Sinoway - Wyckoff, NJ

Dr. Moshe Strauss - Middlesex, NJ

Board Certification is a voluntary process that establishes standards that

demonstrate the doctor of optometry has exceeded the basic requirement(s). To

learn more, visit www.abopt.orgThu Feb 21 11:01:16 PST 2013 - 9754_01_Half_Page.ps

Follow the NJSOP on Facebook for photos, event information

and news updates:www.facebook.com/NJSOP

364 athletes screened56 referrals to NJ optometrists189 pairs of glasses provided

48 pairs of rec specs handed out154 pairs of sunglasses distributed

13 OD volunteers64 optometry student volunteers

8 volunteer opticians14 volunteer ophthalmic techs

Special Olympics Lions Club International Opening Eyes of NJ

Special Olympics NJ Summer Games 2013

On May 8, 2013 The Richard J. Favreau, OD Health Foundation and the Special Olympics Lions Club International Opening Eyes of NJ presented a continuing education course to approximately 60 optometric physicians in NJ.

The course, entitled Examining Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, was held with the intent to make doctors feel more comfortable examining individuals with intellectual disabilities while illustrating the various causes and treatment options for those individuals.

The Favreau Foundation and Opening eyes (part of the Healthy Athletes initiative of the Special Olympics Organization) collaborated for the event to correct the mistaken belief that people with intellectual disabilities receive the same or better health care than others - they typically receive sub-standard care, or virtually no health care at all.

Healthy Athletes has the world's largest database of health data for people with intellectual disabilities and through Healthy Athletes, more than 100,000 health care professionals have been trained to treat people with intellectual disabilities.

These health care professionals provide improved care to millions and the Opening Eyes program has given out more than 90,000 pairs of prescription eyeglasses to athletes who needed them.

Doctors leaving the seminar remarked that they had felt intimidated to treat patients with intellectual disabilities prior to the event, but now felt more comfortable with testing procedures and equipment after the hands-on seminar.

They especially appreciated the opportunity to hear from Special Olympics athletes personally and to try equipment perfect for individuals with special needs.

Pictured are the instructors for the event: (from left) Dr. Kimberly K. Friedman, Dr. Paul Berman, Dr. Bruce Meyer, Dr. Margaret Facey-Campbell

CE Course addresses the needs of individuals with special needs

In June, the NJSOP launched it’s first consumer-focused website: Eyecare.org. The site represents the Society’s commitment to providing New Jersey consumers with easily accessible, factual, and valuable information pertaining to eye and vision health as it relates to overall wellbeing and adheres to the goals set forth in the NJSOP’s three-year strategic plan.

Some of the many features of eyecare.org include:

-- Immediate access to articles, fact sheets, videos, and optometrist-provided news and blog posts;

-- A comprehensive Find-A-Doc tool allowing consumers to find an NJSOP member in his or her immediate area;

-- Streamlined access to member ODs via the Ask-An-Optometrist tool;

-- Eye and vision information broken down by age group;

-- Education materials for parents, teachers, and school health providers.

Eyecare.org is the culmination of a year of development and comes on the heels of the American Optometric Association’s 2012 Eye-Q® Survey results

which revealed the majority of consumers (51%) worry most about losing their vision over any other sense or ability.

The site offers advanced support for visitors through an extensive collection of articles, fact sheets, videos, and visual guides. Visitors can also utilize the Eyecare.org Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest pages to become and even larger part of the conversation.

Eyecare.org advertising campaigns can be seen on NJ.com as well as in several upcoming issues of NJ Family Magazine. A press release was also sent to local media outlets.

If you are interested in writing a patient-friendly article for the Eyecare.org news/blog section, please contact Katie Van Hise at kcotton@njsop.org.

We also encourage NJSOP members to follow the Eyecare.org facebook page where you’ll find great content to share with your followers!

Eyecare.org hits the web,

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