Eyeworld

JAN 2013

EyeWorld is the official news magazine of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.

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January 2013 EW CATARACT 25 ASCRS member survey results available by Cindy Sebrell ASCRS•ASOA Director of Public Affairs Results show interest in new online programs and shed light on ophthalmology-led integrated eyecare practices A SCRS recently conducted a survey to assess whether the association's initiatives, services, and benefits meet the current needs of its membership. The survey also included questions aimed at revealing trends in working relationships between ophthalmologists and optometrists. The survey was conducted by Whorton Marketing and Research, an independent firm based in Oregon. The survey was completed online by 1,419 members (19.5%) and 1,063 (11.5%) non-members. All responses were kept confidential and were comparatively analyzed to uncover trends unique to member, non-member, domestic, and international respondents. The full results of the survey can be found under surveys at www.ascrs.org. The survey results show that an overwhelming majority of membership look to ASCRS' Annual Meeting and its print publications (including EyeWorld and the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery) to keep current or to obtain specific clinical information, with online resources such as ASCRS' clinical discussion lists and MediaCenter ranking a close second. A majority of members also indicated that they look to ASCRS to engage them regularly with relevant information, and a significant majority (80%) preferred the development of new online or mobile education options to the expansion of traditional member benefits such as journals, meetings, or practice tools. A section of the survey was dedicated to questions about an integrated ophthalmology-managed eyecare delivery model (IOMED). Results showed that U.S.-based respondents were three times more likely than international respondents to report that optometrists 1) provide primary eyecare services and refer for complex and/or surgical cases to ophthalmologists, 2) provide comprehensive eyecare to patients, and 3) provide pre- and post-op care to patients. Forty-five percent of U.S. respondents reported that they directly employ optometrists, with 50% indicating that they plan to do so in the future. Thirty-three percent indicated that they were currently in a referral relationship with at least one optometrist, while 31% of U.S.-based ophthalmologists said they do not employ optometrists. More than 50% of respondents said that they believe optometrists will play an important role in helping address the anticipated demand for eyecare services in the U.S. The survey also revealed that ASCRS members rely more and more on their hand-held smartphones. Fully 70% of U.S. respondents said they now use their smartphones "intensively." While 76% said they would likely use an iPhone or Droid application for on-demand information, relatively few (approximately 15%) felt comfortable using social media to update their ASCRS membership information or receive news. The ASCRS leadership will look to the survey data as part of an ongoing effort to develop new initiatives that better address the needs of a diverse membership. For full survey results, an executive summary, and more information on each of these topics, go to www.ascrs.org/ Press-Releases/ascrs-member-surveyresults-show-interest-new-line-programs-and-shed-light. EW Scan with your mobile device for survey results. (Scanner available for free at your app store) Go to ophthalmologybusiness.org to check out the January issue of Ophthalmology Business eZine Featuring: Investing Ophthalmic sector is highly attractive for investors Tax consequences of selling a practice Averting and resolving partner conflicts Revising your strategic business plan Popular eye term dictionary updates for smartphones

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