June 2010 - President's Message

The summer schedule is beginning to heat up here at the MOA headquarters, and I want to encourage all of our members to join in the summer festivities.

If you haven’t already registered, the MOA will be hosting our next CE event this weekend, June 13th at the BWI Marriott. We are pleased to host the AOA program on the Implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHR). This course will be offered around the country this year, and the MOA is privileged to bring it here to our members. The seminar will outline everything an optometric practice needs to know about implementing EHRs, demonstrating meaningful use and taking advantage of the government stimulus plan to earn an incentive bonus starting next year.

In addition, this Saturday, June 12th marks the day for The Special Olympics Summer 2010 games to be held at Towson University. The Special Olympics Lions Club International Opening Eyes will be conducting their extensive eye screenings for the athletes, going far beyond acuity testing. Auto-refraction, full refraction if necessary, internal and external health evaluations as well as tonometry are done on each athlete. If deemed necessary, the athlete will receive a pair of spectacles or Rec Specs.

Furthermore, Maryland licensed ODs may earn continuing education credit for their participation in this event. While this is not an “official” MOA event, I encourage anyone available to consider giving your time and talent for this wonderful cause. Last year, it was necessary to cancel the screening due to lack of personnel.
Corporate sponsors for SOLCIOE are Safilo, Essilor, Santinelli and the local lab, New City Optical.. Contact Diane Serex-Dougan, O.D. at dr.diane@verizon.net. Join us on Facebook: Special Olympics Lions Club International Opening Eyes-Maryland.

In addition, the MOA is hosting a day at the park with the Bowie Baysox. Bring the family and join the MOA for a fun filled day at the ballpark! We will be hosting our members at an open-air party deck on Saturday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be provided in the MOA Suite, and fireworks will commence after the game. This event is FREE to all MOA Members (and immediate family members).

Of course it’s never too early to start thinking about the annual MOA Fall Convention and Awards Dinner. This year we are planning a stellar event at the beautiful new Bethesda Marriott Convention Center on November 6-7, 2010. We will have 12 hours of COPE credit available and a great lineup of events planned. Mark your calendars now and plan on joining us.

These are all great opportunities to network with colleagues, meeting up with old friends and take some great CE courses.

I look forward to seeing you there.