July | August 2007

Governor Signs Missouri Children’s Vision Law JEFFERSON CITY, MO – June 21, 2007 – With the support of the Missouri Optometric Association, Gov. Matt Blunt signed Senate Bill 16 into law, requiring comprehensive eye examinations for children entering kindergarten or first grade in Missouri public schools.

Local doctors of optometry and the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Delbert Scott (R-Lowry City) and Rep. David Pearce (R-Warrensburg), met with Jefferson City teachers and students in the governor’s office to support this important new law. (Full Story Inside)

Convention and Visitors Bureau Moves In Downstairs The Missouri Optometric Association occupies the entire third floor of its building located in downtown Jefferson City.

The Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is moving into their new offices located on the first and part of the second floors of the MOA’s headquarters located at 100 E. High Street, across the street from the Capitol. This office, which is in the historic district of the city, also fits in well with the CVB’s slogan, “Feel the History.” (Learn More Inside)

President’s Message

2007 Convention & Exhibitors

Optometry & Senator Bond Call for Better Vision Care for Children

Dr. James E. Bureman Appointed to State Board of Optometry

MOA Members Volunteer at Special Olympics

Some Clearinghouses Stripping NPIs

MOA Seeks CIGNA Documentation

Railroad Worker’s National Plan to Again Cover Services by Optometrists

Optometric Recogniation Awards Qualifiers

2008 Convention Dates Changed

In Memoriam

A lso Ins ideTh isIssue

July | August 2007

President’s Message

Well, the dog days of summer are certainly here and the reality that we have only two months until the MOA convention in St Louis is sinking in. It has been an honor to serve as MOA President for the past ten months and I look forward to doing everything I can to increase membership and have a successful convention over the next two months. On June 21, Governor Blunt signed SB 16 into law. This historic piece of legislation is our best chance to significantly decrease the number of amblyopic children in our state as well as provide the children of Missouri the tools they need to be successful students. Our 2007 membership drive is underway. Packets explaining the advantages of membership in our organization have been mailed to all registered non-member optometrists in our state. It will be up to us, the members of the MOA, to make contact with fellow non-MOA optometrists and make the case for participation. Increasing membership and increasing participation by membership is crucial to our continued success. Please do everything you can contact a non-member and make our case. I am pleased to announce that we have a new tenant at the MOA building. I would like to welcome the Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau and wish them success in their new offices. I trust we will have a long and productive relationship. We still have part of the second floor and the basement to rent. I will keep you informed. The last two months have not been without disappointment. Unfortunately, Jessica Taylor, our administrative assistant, will be leaving our employment. Her husband is entering the military, and she will be leaving to live with her mother while he is in basic training. I would like to thank her for her years of service to our organization and wish her and her family the best. Also, a fun and informative AOA convention in Boston ended in disappointment when our very own Lee Ann Barrett was unsuccessful in her run for AOA trustee. Lee Ann wishes to thank everyone for supporting her candidacy. On May 10th, I attended the Midwest Vision Expo and North Central States Optometric Council meetings in Chicago. Midwest Vision Expo is an excellent regional meeting with great continuing education and a large exhibit hall. I strongly encourage you to attend. Next year’s meeting will be held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, IL on May 8-10, 2008. There have been some significant changes at NCSOC. The state of Michigan has elected to leave the council. Also, the Illinois Optometric Association will be in charge of the convention instead or Reed/VCA. All of the North Central States will be responsible for continuing education as well as dissemination of information about the event. Don’t forget to attend the MOA convention in October. We will be at the Ritz-Carlton in St. Louis from October 4th to the 7th. Have a happy and safe summer.

July | August 2007

Hannibal800-325-4676

Lenexa800-397-2020

July | August 2007

Governor Signs Missouri Children’s Vision Law

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – June 21, 2007 – With the support of the Missouri Optometric Association, Gov. Matt Blunt signed Senate Bill 16 into law, requiring comprehensive eye examinations for children entering kindergarten or first grade in Missouri public schools. Local doctors of optometry and the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Delbert Scott (R-Lowry City) and Rep. Terry Swinger (D-Caruthersville), met in the governor’s office to support this important new law.

“Clear and comfortable vision is essential for learning, and this new law will help Missouri children succeed and reach their full potential,” Gov. Blunt said. “In its first year alone, we expect that this measure will help more than 136,000 children read and see chalkboards more clearly. All Missouri children deserve the tools they need to fulfill their potential, and our students will benefit from this law.”

The new law also requires vision screenings for students once before the completion of first grade and again before the completion of third grade. Students identified as needing further care will be required to see an eye doctor for a comprehensive exam. The law takes effect July 1, 2008, requiring eye exams for students starting school in the fall.

“Eye exams are still the best way to diagnose eye and vision problems in children early, before they interfere with a child’s ability to learn,” said Thomas Greene, O.D., President of the Missouri Optometric Association and a Jefferson City optometrist. “The MOA is proud to support true leaders like Gov. Blunt, Sen. Scott, Rep. Swinger, and Rep. Tilley in the effort to make children’s vision and classroom learning a top priority.”

Missouri joins Kentucky as the second state in the nation requiring eye exams for children entering public schools. In a survey conducted following the enactment of the Kentucky mandatory children’s eye exam law, 14 percent of the more than 5,000 children entering the school system in 2000 needed corrective lenses, and hundreds of children were diagnosed with eye diseases. (Continued Governor, page 5).

July | August 2007

Governor, continued from page 4“Vision disorders are considered the fourth most common disability in the United States, though many vision problems in children are preventable or treatable if caught early on,” said C. Thomas Crooks, III, O.D., President of the American Optometric Association, a St. Louis based organization representing more than 34,000 members. “With nearly 25 percent of school-age children suffering from vision problems, this law is necessary to help treat and prevent diseases that can cause vision loss.”

Ten million children suffer from vision disorders, according to the National Parent Teacher Association. Nationally, about 86 percent of children entering first grade do not receive an eye exam. Comprehensive eye exams for children entering school are critical for the early intervention needed to treat diseases and disorders such as amblyopia (“lazy eye”), strabismus, retinoblastoma and other serious and potentially blinding problems that can lead to poor school performance that can ultimately affect quality of life.

A professional, comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist is essential for the diagnosis and timely treatment of eye and vision problems prior to entry into school. Many vision screenings test only for visual acuity (clarity of sight).

Comprehensive eye examinations are a cost-effective investment in Missouri’s children. Approximately 70 percent of children are insured for comprehensive eye exams through private insurance, Medicaid, S-CHIP or other state or federal programs. Optometrists, ophthalmologists and local charitable organizations have provided ongoing assistance for families in need.

July | August 2007

Convention and Visitors Bureau Moves In Downstairs

The Missouri Optometric Association occupies the entire third floor of its building located in downtown Jefferson City.

The Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is moving into their new offices located on the first and part of the second floors of the MOA’s headquarters located at 100 E. High Street, across the street from the Capitol. This office, which is in the historic district of the city, also fits in well with the CVB’s slogan, “Feel the History.”

The CVB has shared an office with the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce since 1989 when the bureau was founded. Recently, the Chamber has wanted to expand and add more office space to their facility. This move will allow them to do that.

Construction has begun and will continue for the next month. When finished, the CVB will include a total of six offices and two conference areas covering approximately 3,300 square feet.

A grand opening is expected sometime in late September or early October. The MOA is extremely excited about having the CVB as a long-term tenant.

July | August 2007

ACADEMY2007TAMPA, FLORIDA

TODAY’S RESEARCH, TOMORROW’S PRACTICE®

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPTOMETRY

NEW DAYS, SAME GREAT MEETING!Wednesday through SaturdayOctober 24 – 27Earn up to 40 hours of the highest quality optometric education.

Meet your friends and colleagues in the expanded Exhibit Hall.

Mark your calendar to arrive in Tampa Tuesday, October 23.

Don’t miss the Ellerbrock Presents course Tuesday evening. Start

earning those credits early!

Pre-registration deadline: September 14. Visit www.aaopt.org for the latest in

course information and to register for the meeting and book your hotel.

July | August 2007

Features

2007 Convention & Exhibitorspage 9

Optometry and Senator Bond Call for Better Vision Care for Childrenpage 11

Dr. James E. Bureman Appointed to Missouri State Board of Optometrypage 14

MOA Members Volunteer at Special Olympicspage 14

Some Clearinghouses Stripping National Provider Identifierspage 17

MOA Seeks CIGNA Documentationpage 17

Railroad Worker’s National Plan to Again Cover Services by Optometristspage 18

Optometric Recognition Award Qualifierspage 19

In Memoriampage 19

2008 MOA Convention Dates Changedpage 20

July | August 2007

2007 Convention & Exhibitors

Time is running out, so if you haven’t registered for the MOA 2007 Annual Convention, please do so now.

We have an outstanding program of continuing education this year, and the convention is always a valuable time to network with other optometrists and eye care professionals in the state.

Program Schedules2007 Convention Speakers Doctors’ Program Paraoptometrics’ Program Auxiliary Program

RegistrationOnline Registration AvailablePrintable PDF Form

Current Exhibitors

The MOA Board of Directors wishes to acknowledge and thank the exhibitors who are signed up for the 2007 MOA Convention Exhibit Hall thus far:

••••

••

Advanced Medical Optics Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Allergan American Optometric Association Avesis Carl Zeiss Meditec CIBA Vision CooperVision Duffens/Langley Optical Elsevier/Mosby/Saunders Essilor of America Europa International Firestone Optics, Inc. Gateway Optical Services, Inc.

•••

••••••••••

Genzyme Hoya Vision Care Inspire Lombart Instrument Marco Midland Optical Missouri Eye Care Alliance (Comp) Pro Design Denmark Signet Armorlite Sutherlin Optical TLC Laser Eye Centers Transitions Optical Vision Service Plan Walman Optical

•••••••••••••

July | August 2007

of a Potentially Life-Threatening

Genetic Disorder

• Fabry disease is a progressive genetic disorder that can lead to life-threatening renal, cardiac, and cerebrovascular complications

• Up to 90% of Fabry disease patients exhibit corneal verticillata1 (whorl-like radial lines emanating from a single vortex), which are detectable by slit lamp examination and typically do not affect vision

• Other early signs and symptoms include pain in the extremities, impaired sweating, skin rash or angiokeratomas, and hearing and gastrointestinal problems

A geneticist can help establish a definitive diagnosis and provide information on intervention. Learn more at www.fabrycommunity.com and www.lysosomallearning.com or contact Genzyme Medical Information at 617-768-9000 or 800-745-4447 (option 2).

References1 Franceschetti A. Fabry’s disease: ocular manifestations. In: Bergsma D, Bron AJ, Cotlier E (eds). The Eye and Inborn Errors in Metabolism. Vol. 12, No. 3. New York: AR Liss Co., 1976: 195-208.

Photo on right used with permission. RL Abbott, MD

©2006 Genzyme Corporation. All rights reserved. Fabr/US/P320/09/06

YOU’RE LOOKINGINTO THE EYES

Corneal verticillata are commonly seen in Fabry disease, a progressive, often life-threatening genetic disorder.

YOU ARE IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO IDENTIFY FABRY DISEASE

July | August 2007

Optometry and Senator Bond Call for Better Vision Care for Children

ST. LOUIS, MO – June 15, 2007 / COLUMBIA, MO. – July 3, 2007 – U.S. Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond (R-Mo.), the American Optometric Association (AOA), and Missouri Optometric Association (MOA) highlighted the national need for better eye health care, which will help prevent vision problems that can interfere with young children’s learning, during events at the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club in St. Louis and the Mason Eye Institute, located at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Sen. Bond recently introduced the “Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007,” S. 1117, with the support of the St. Louis-based AOA and other leading eye care groups.

“Good vision is critical to learning. This important legislation will improve vision care for children to better equip them to succeed in school and in life,” Sen. Bond said. “With the support of the American Optometric Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Vision Council of America, together we will make a difference in the lives of children across the country.”

S. 1117 would establish a federal grant program focusing on treatment to bolster children’s vision initiatives in the states and encourage children’s vision partnerships with non-profit entities, including groups as committed to the cause of safeguarding the sight of America’s children as state optometric associations. Nearly 25 percent of school-age children today have vision problems, according to a federal study.

“As senator, and previously as our governor, Kit Bond has always put the health and education needs of our children first,” said Thomas J. Cullinane, O.D., a trustee of the Missouri Optometric Association from Chesterfield who practices in Creve Coeur.

“Jeff Gamble, O.D., a Missouri Optometric Association member and practicing Columbia optometrist said, “Today, with his leadership on S. 1117 and his frank discussion about the lifelong challenges he has faced from undiagnosed amblyopia, doctors of optometry across Missouri are particularly proud of his efforts.”(Continued Senator Bond page 9)

July | August 2007

Senator Bond, continued from page 8In 2006, Senator Bond was presented with the AOA’s Health Care Leadership award for his longtime advocacy for eye and vision care for children.

“The Bond Vision Care for Kids Act is an important assignment for Congress and a timely reminder for America of what needs to be done to help concerned parents and teachers ensure that no child is left behind in the classroom due to an undiagnosed or untreated vision problem,” said C. Thomas Crooks, III, O.D., president of the AOA. “Optometry is proud to support true leaders like Senator Bond in the effort to provide states with the resources – the federal dollars – they need to make children’s vision and classroom learning a top priority.”

Eye and vision specialists, such as optometrists, are best able to diagnose and treat amblyopia and other vision problems, including strabismus, retinoblastoma, and other serious and potentially blinding problems that can lead to poor school performance and other issues that can ultimately affect quality of life. Amblyopia is treatable and preventable if caught within the early years of a child’s life, but it remains the leading cause of vision loss in Americans under age 45.

Ten million children suffer from vision disorders, according to the National Parent Teacher Association. Vision disorders are considered the fourth most common disability in the United States, and they are one of the most prevalent handicapping conditions in childhood.

According to data from the Making the Grade: An analysis of state and federal children’s vision care policy research study, 32 states require vision screenings for students, but 29 of them do not require children who fail the screening to have a comprehensive eye examination. Because up to two-thirds of children who fail vision screenings do not comply with recommended eye exams, many children enter school with uncorrected vision problems.

Undetected and untreated vision deficiencies, particularly in children, can take a large toll. Studies have shown that the costs associated with adult vision problems in the U.S. are at $51.4 billion.

To find a nearby optometrist, or to schedule an eye examination for your child, please visit the Missouri Optometric Association’s Doctor Locator.

July | August 2007

Midland Optical

At Midland Optical we do more �

� Quality prescription service

� Dispenser education & training

� In-house AR coating:- Crizal Alizé- TD2- RF Reflection Free NP®

- RF Endura�

- RF Endura EZ�

- Kodak Clear� VSP Laboratory

� Varilux® distributor

2360 59th Street, St. Louis, MO 63110 � 314.533.2020 � 800.325.3176www.midlandoptical.com

July | August 2007

Dr. James E. Bureman Appointedto Missouri State Board of Optometry

Dr. James E. Bureman has been appointed to the Missouri State Board of Optometry. He will serve until March of 2011.

Dr. Bureman received his B.A. in Biology with honors from Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri in 1976 and his Doctor of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry where in 1980 he again graduated with honors. While in optometry school, Dr. Bureman was a recipient of the presti-gious Health Professions Scholarship Award.

In 1992 Dr. Bureman was appointed to the Missouri State Board of Optometry, one of only five such doctors in the state. He is also a member of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, a position which requires him to test the clinical skills of other optometrists.

In 2000, Dr. Bureman was the MOA’s “Optometrist of the Year Award,” and he is listed as one of America’s top Optometrists by Consumer’s Research Council of America for 2002-2003. Dr. Bureman holds the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Missouri Army National Guard Medical Services Corps.

MOA Members Volunteer at Special Olympics

A team of Missouri OD’s, optometry students, paraoptometrics and Lion’s club volunteers donated their time and expertise at the Missouri Special Olympics Lions Club International Opening Eyes (SOLCIOE) Vision Screening on June 5th.

Opening Eyes is an international health effort created to improve the visual health of individuals with special needs. The screening was held in conjunction with the Special Olympics summer games in Columbia, MO. (Continued Olympics, page 15)

July | August 2007

Olympics, continued from page 14More than 1500 athletes from around the state competed in track and field events, bocce, weight lifting and swimming. Our volunteers included ten ODs, three paraoptometrics, eleven Lions Club members, nine optometry students and five non-ophthalmic volunteers.

The volunteers worked tirelessly to screen a total of 230 athletes. The screening includes a brief history, visual acuities, color vision, stereo acuity, ophthalmoscopy, anterior segment evaluation and IOP measurement. If needed, the athletes are also refracted.

The screening uncovered several cases of cataracts ready for removal and glaucoma suspects.

Frames, lenses and laboratory services are generously donated by Safilo, Liberty and Essilor, our global sponsors. We provided 82 pairs of glasses and 28 sports goggles.

Working with the Special Olympic athletes is an extremely gratifying experience as any of the volunteers will tell you. The athletes like to show their appreciation with hugs and kisses, and they are so excited about getting new glasses. For many of the athletes, this vision screening is their introduction to eye care! A big Thank You to everyone who volunteered their time and talents, especially Larry Kellerman of Columbia, who coordinated all the Lions Club volunteers. Larry and his wife, Shirley, were present for the set up at 10:00 am and were still there at 10:30pm as we were finishing up the last refraction!

July | August 2007

July | August 2007

Some Clearinghouses Stripping the NPIs

It has come to the attention of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that some Clearinghouses are stripping the National Provider Identifier (NPI) prior to submission of the claim to Medicare. This will adversely affect Eligible Professionals in that these claims will not count toward PQRI participation.

CMS urges Eligible Professionals that use clearinghouses to check with their clearinghouse to assure NPIs are not being stripped from claims. If the Eligible Professional determines that their clearinghouse is stripping NPIs from the claim, the Eligible Professional may want to consider other billing options.

A recent Special Edition MLN Matters article contains important information for Medicare providers and suppliers, including how to use the NPI correctly on Part A and Part B claims. You can view this article by visiting http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0725.pdf on the CMS website.

MOA Seeks CIGNA Documentation

Optometrists in the Kansas City area are experiencing difficulty becoming providers for Cigna Healthcare HMO.

In their denials, Cigna is stating that only ophthalmologists are able to provide medical eye care for their policy holders. Cigna claims that these patients can receive medical care from optometrists if the patients elect to have VSP primary care.

The MOA is collecting documentation of these incidences in order to file a complaint with the state health insurance board. If you have any documentation from Cigna Healthcare refusing payment of a claim for medical care because you are an optometrist, or if you have documentation from Cigna Healthcare refusing to allow you to participate as a medical provider, please send this information to the MOA office.

July | August 2007

Railroad Worker’s National Plan to Again Cover Services by Optometrists

BackgroundBeginning in September 2006, AOA began receiving information that United Health Care, acting as the third party administrator (TPA) for the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan, had begun denying reimbursement for medical eye care services provided by optometrists. The other TPAs for this program, Aetna and Blue Cross, did not follow UHC’s lead.

Representatives for the Railroad Workers, on both the employer and union sides, indicated this was not a change in policy but rather enforcement of established policy that previously had not been enforced. The Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan is self-funded, collectively-bargained and falls under the rules of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). As such, decisions regarding benefits are decided by the Rail Road Workers (unions and rail roads) and are exempt from state mandates. In some of the states, UHC local offices demanded repayment of past reimbursements.

Problem or IssueThe AOA has received a copy of a letter sent to railroad employees stating that medical eye care services delivered by optometrists will be covered by the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan. In an attached notice, the following is stated:

Effective immediately, selected services provided by optometrists will be covered under the following conditions:

The services must be within the scope of the optometrist’s license. The service would otherwise be covered if performed by a medical doctor (MD).

That is, services to treat underlying medical conditions for which you would otherwise see a medical doctor are covered.

Eye examinations, glasses or contact lenses for diagnosis or treatment of refractive errors except to the extent needed for repair of damages caused by bodily injury are not covered under this plan – charges for these exclusions are generally covered by your vision plan, if available. (Continued Railroad, page 19)

1.2.

July | August 2007

Optometric Recognition Awards

Congratulations to the 2007 Optometric Recognition Award Qualifiers for the Continuing Education Recognition Award.

The Initial Award is given to doctors of optometry who have completed 150 hours of approved continuing education in their field over a period of three consecutive years.

The Continuing Education Award is given to doctors of optometry who have completed 50 credit hours of continuing education in their field over a one year period and, in addition, have previously received the Initial Optometric Recognition Award.

The award presentation took place on June 28, 2007, during Optometry’s Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts.

Congratulations to the American Optometric Association’s Continuing Education Award Recipients from Missouri:

Dr. William D. Dellande Dr. Sharon K. Dyer Dr. Kurt W. Finklang Dr. Ronald J. Fornelli Dr. W. Howard McAlister Dr. John J. Turley

••••••

Railroad, continued from page 18Note also that this change applies to all medical carriers— UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield—so all members will enjoy the benefits of this change.”

This reversal represents an important “win” for AOA and optometry, but just as importantly it shows what can happen when – as in this case – individual members, state affiliates and ECBC work in concert to achieve results.

In Memoriam: Dorris Fontana The MOA would like to express our sincerest sypathy to Dr. Frank Fontana on the death of his wife, Dorris, on Monday evening, July 23.

Dr. Fontana is a member of the Saint Louis Optometric Society.

July | August 2007

2008 Convention Dates Changed

The dates of the 2008 MOA Convention have been changed from October 1 – 4 to October 9 – 11, 2008.

Vision Expo West is scheduled for October 2-4, 2008 in Las Vegas and would have conflicted with the MOA Annual Convention dates. The 2008 MOA Annual Convention is at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Convention Center, in Branson, Missouri, October 9 – 11, 2008.

July | August 2007

Welcome New Members

The Missouri Optometric Association is pleased to announce the following new members. Please introduce yourself the next time you see them at an MOA sponsored event!

Thomas W. Byers, O.D. Sarah D. Hubbard, O.D. Kimberly A. Layfield, O.D. Rachel E. Merriman, O.D.

••••

We also welcome these new paraoptometrics into the MOA’s Para Section:

Nikki F. Cook Edith (Edie) M. Gibson Vicki R. Mann

•••

The MOA is also proud to announce a new member of our Industry Alliance at the Director Level:

HOYA Vision CareMichael W. Elton651 E. Corporate Dr.Lewisville, Texas 75057Ph: 972-420-9128Fax:972-219-2766

Carol F. Merritt, O.D. Blaire S. O’Brien, O.D. James J. Wachter, O.D. Mark D. Wade, O.D.

••••

July | August 2007

Society Reports

Central Missouri Optometric SocietyTrustee: Debbie Hettler-Arbeitman, O.D., MPH, FAAO

Several CMOS members were present at the June Leadership Retreat held at the Lake of the Ozarks. The June CMOS meeting was cancelled since it was so close to the American Optometric Association Annual Meeting in Boston. The July meeting is scheduled with a speaker for July 24, 2007.

CMOS was well represented by Dr. Jeff Gamble (with Dr. Weaver) at a press conference for US Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond and the federal “Vision Care for Kid’s Act” early in July, 2007.

Dr. Lee Ann Barrett made her home society proud as a candidate for AOA trustee. Although she ran a great campaign, she could not overcome the Great Western Optometric state block vote and was not successful in her bid. However, many optometrists at the national level were already discussing how to keep her talents in use at the national AOA level.

Southeast Optometric Society ReportTrustee: James Hunt, O.D.

The Southeast Optometric Society was pleased to host the MOA President, Dr. Tom Greene, and our Executive Director, Joyce Baker, at our last meeting. The meeting was held at the Hickory Log Restaurant in Dexter, MO. There was an informal gathering starting at 6:30 pm with the business meeting starting at 7:00 pm.

The society members in attendance enjoyed a very informative presentation by Dr. Greene about the passing of the Children’s Vision Bill and issues facing the MOA in the future. The doctors also had a chance to met with our director, Joyce Baker, and hear about developments at the Capital in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Our next meeting will be our yearly vote on MOA Young Optometrist and OD of the Year Award nominations along with Southeast Society officers for the following year.

(Continued Society Reports, page 23)

July | August 2007

Society Reports, continued from page 22

Saint Louis Optometric SocietyTrustee: Jeffrey L. Weaver, OD; Associate Trustee: Thomas J. Cullinane, OD

The Saint Louis Optometric Society celebrated a successful year, presented awards and welcomed new officers at their 2007 Installation and Awards Ban-quet, June 12, 2007. This year’s venue was the Randall Gallery in downtown St. Louis. One hundred thirty-one optometrists, sponsors and guests were present to honor Dr. Tom Cullinane as the SLOS Optometrist of the Year as well as Dr. Car-men Castellano, who received the Distinguished Service Award. In addition, the Honorable Rod Jetton received the Friend of Optometry Award. Charlie Schlievert, UMSL Class of 2009, was this year’s recipient of the Student Leadership Award.

Dr. Craig Brawley took the reigns as the SLOS President for 2006-2007. His team of officers consist of the following: Dr. Eric Polk, President-Elect; Dr. Deborah Ker-ber, Vice President; Dr. Erin Sullivan, Secretary; Dr. Barbara Aalbers, Treasurer; Dr. Karen Rosen, Sergeant at Arms; Dr. Robert Goerss, Immediate Past President; Drs. Tom Cullinane and Jeff Weaver, MOA Trustees. The SLOS Board had their organizational meeting on July 5, 2007, at the American Optometric Association office.

The May 8 SLOS meeting featured continuing education sponsored by Allergan and Staar Surgical. Dr. Larry Gans discussed refractive implant technologies and Dr. Sean Mulqueeny presented on the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye.

The Saint Louis Optometric Society is looking forward to being the host society for this year’s Missouri Optometric Association Annual Convention, October 4-7, 2007 at the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis. We hope that all of our friends across the state can join us at the best MOA Convention ever!

ParaoptometricsParaoptometric President: Tina Heafner

The para board is busy preparing for convention. We are pleased to announce that the CPOT practicum for certification is being offered during convention in St. Louis this year. This is one of the first times that it is being offered anywhere other than the AOA Conference.

We would like to welcome Tanya Thompson and Elizabeth Gordon who have joined the para board as Northwest Society Trustee and Central Society Trustee. We still have other trustee positions open in; Northeast Society, St. Louis Society, Greater Ozark Society, and Southwest Society. If anyone is interested or has any questions about what is involved in becoming a trustee of the para board, please email me: tinaheafner@eyecare-ls.com.

July | August 2007

Calendar of Upcoming Events

2007October 4-7MOA Annual ConventionRitz Carlton HotelSt. Louis

2008January 6-7MOA Legislative ConferenceCapitol Plaza HotelJefferson City, MO

February 14-16Heart of AmericaKansas City, MO

April 17 - 22MOA Spring CESt. Maarten

May 8-10Midwest EyeCare ConferenceChicago, Illinois

June 25-29Optometry’s Meeting™Seattle, Washington

October 9-11MOA Annual ConventionChateau on the LakeBranson, MO

2009October 1-4MOA Annual ConventionLodge of the Four SeasonsLake Ozark, MO

July | August 2007

July | August 2007

Leadership & Staff StaffExecutive DirectorJoyce Baker(joyce@moeyecare.org)

Finance ManagerLinda McDowell(linda@moeyecare.org)

Administrative AssistantAmanda Berendzen(amanda@moeyecare.org)

Governmental Relations ConsultantsJ. Scott Marrs (P: 573/636-5873 | smarrs@earthlink.net)Jerry W. Burch (P: 573/636-4599 | jburch@earthlink.net)

Legal CounselMarc H. Ellinger (P: 573/634-2500 | mellinger@blitzbargett.com)

OfficersPresident: Thomas F. Greene, O.D. (P: 573/659-5560 | greene@socket.net)President-Elect: Gregory J. Goetzinger, O.D. (P: 417/359-0600 | eyedrg@carthagevisionclinic.com)Treasurer: Wesley D. Kemp, O.D. (P: 417/777-9000 | weskemp@alltel.net)Secretary: Ryan H. Powell, O.D. (P: 816/476-4017 | drpowell@insighteyecare-kc.com)Immediate Past President: Thomas W. Hobbs, O.D. (P: 660/747-7300 | twhobbs@embarqmail.com)

July | August 2007

TrusteesCentral Society: Debbie Hettler-Arbeitman, O.D. (P: 573/814-6575 | dhett@aol.com)Greater Ozark Society: Michael C. Frier, O.D (P: 417/876-6052 | mikeftwoi@centurytel.net)Kansas City Society: John B. Gelvin, O.D (P: 816/525-3937 | jgelvin@omnieyecentersofkc.com)Northeast Society: Duane A. Thompson, O.D. (P: 660/258-7409 | datbat@cebridge.net)Northwest Society: Matthew Honson, O.D. (P: 816/390-8644 | mhonson@gmail.com)Southeast Society: James M. Hunt, O.D. (P: 573/996-3937 | drhunt204@yahoo.com)Southwest Society: Lorry W. Lazenby, O.D. (P: 417/782-9151 | lorry@lazenbyopt.com)St. Louis Society: Jeffrey L. Weaver, O.D. (P: 314/991-4100 | jlweaver@aoa.org)St. Louis Society (Associate Trustee): Thomas J. Cullinane, O.D. (P: 314/579-0909 | seeingme@sbcglobal.net)West Central Society: Mark D. Curtis, O.D. (P: 660/747-8196 | mdcurtis@embarqmail.com)CommitteesAdministrative Services: Rob Bernskoetter, O.D. (P: 573/874-2030 | rbern@socket.net)Affiliated Organizations: Lori Ehlers Swopes, O.D. (P: 816/884-5212 | LoriSwopes@yahoo.com)Clinical/Educational: Erica Burton, O.D. (P: 417/682-3301 | sbeyecare@sbcglobal.net)Coordinating Committee: Thomas W. Hobbs, O.D. (P: 660/747-7300 | twhobbs@embarqmail.com)Governmental Affairs: Lee Ann Barrett, O.D. & Mark Curtis, O.D. (P: 573/445-8636 | lbarrett@sbcglobal.net) (P: 660/747-8196 | mdcurtis@embarqmail.com) Membership Services: Scott Ream, O.D. (P: 417/264-7418 | sream1@aol.com)Public Relations: Kyle Brost, O.D. (P: 573/334-8595 | drbrost@charter.net)Affiliated OrganizationsParaoptometric Chair: Tina Heafner (P: 816/524-8900 | tinaheafner@eyecare-ls.com)MOAA President: Amy Powell (P: 816/476-4017 | amarapowell@kc.rr.com)MOF President: Rex Newcomb, O.D. (P: 417/468-6682 | rands289@msn.com)State Board President: Christy Fowler, O.D. (P: 573/335-3937 | drfowler@swbell.net | www.regional.optometry.net)

July | August 2007

About VISIONMissouri Optometric AssociationEditor of Publications: Lee Ann Barrett, O.D.201 W. BroadwayColumbia, MO 65203P: 573/445-8636F: 573/446-9122lbarrettod@sbcglobal.net

The VISION online newsletter is published bimonthly at 100 E. High Street, Ste. 301, Jefferson City, MO 65101. P: 573/635-6151.

Send all unsolicited articles, news, and advertising to the MOA Central Office. All opinions and statements of supposed fact in signed articles do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Missouri Optometric Association.

Deadlines are the first of January, March, May, July, September, and November.