To the Editor

Great ASCRS coverage

Gretchyn Bailey’s editorial, “Optometry at the ASCRS meeting,” in the May issue is an outstanding article. Love your style. You got the message conveyed beautifully.

Marlane J. Brown, OD, FAAO

ASCRS IOMED Task Force Member

Minneapolis, MN

Fair and balanced

Thanks for presenting both sides of ASCRS IOMED program.

I wanted to thank you for your unbiased reporting on the ASCRS meeting IOMED program (“ASCRS welcomes ODs during IOMED program,” May) and particularly on your editorial piece. There is a need for optometric ownership in the form of partnership in any integrated eyecare system. So far, the models proposed by ophthalmology, starting with Dr. Lindstrom's Ophthalmology-Led Eye Care System (this name says it all), have placed the ophthalmologist in the employer/leader/decision-maker role and offer the integrated optometrist an employee position with no to little control over the care of his/her patients or the optometrist’s future.

I’m also encouraged to see some mention of the other 98% (my guess) of U.S. optometrists who do not work for an ophthalmologist, a VA clinic, an academic institution, or a TLC-type of business. These ODs, the 98%, must be included in any system that purports to offer a solution to the increased number of patients heading our way. This number is just too big to ignore, and ophthalmology seems intent on doing just that because its leadership has not figured out a way of controlling this many doctors.

Again, thank you for presenting both sides of this issue.

Randall N. Reichle, OD, FAAO

Houston, TX

Keeping informed

I recently read Gretchyn Bailey’s editorial, “Are you part of the conversation?” in the April issue. I enjoy the topics that are covered in your publication, and I appreciate the information that I get from following your various social media efforts.

Teresa Narayan, OD

New Haven, CT