Eyeworld

34 | EYEWORLD | SPRING 2025 ASCRS NEWS ASCRS ANNUAL MEETING PREVIEW of my goals in my presidency was to get ASCRS doctors in the room with ASOA administrators," Dr. Thompson said. "I know in a practice like mine, one of the keys to our success has been to invest in world-class doctors and business leaders." It was highly encouraged for both the Vance Thompson, MD, speaks about his time as ASCRS President continued on page 36 W hen asked about his experience as President of ASCRS, Vance Thompson, MD, said that one of the things he's enjoyed the most in the role has been the support. "From the leaders of ASCRS, ASCRS staff, and our membership, it's been amazing how it's like a big family trying to help each other, help our patients, and help our world," he said. Dr. Thompson noted his longtime involve- ment with ASCRS, having served on the EyeWorld Editorial Board, including as the Refractive Editor, the ASCRS Refractive Clinical Committee, including as Chairman, and now the Executive Committee. He said he has been excit- ed to see all aspects of what makes the Society a success. Dr. Thompson said his major focus as he took on the presidency was to continue to build on the great leadership from those before him. He also wanted to represent the current mem- bership and help grow the Society, while con- tinuing to carry out some of the foundational principles of ASCRS, like education, government advocacy, philanthropy through the ASCRS Foundation, and mentoring young eye surgeons. He enjoyed getting a look behind the scenes of the Society's relationship with industry and seeing the large impact industry can have on patients, doctors, practices, and innovation. One of the main initiatives during his pres- idency was the Business of Refractive Cataract Surgery (BRiCS) Summit, which took place in September 2024. "While we live in a world of decreasing third-party reimbursement, there is also increasing technology that brings val- ue to patients that third-party reimbursement doesn't pay for but that patients will pay for," Dr. Thompson said. "They will invest in their healthcare as long as they see the value and get the value. It doesn't make sense for practices to be hurting because of decreasing third-party reimbursement and not realize their full patient pay potential of making patients happy with advanced technology while also helping the business of their practice." The BRiCS Summit sought to address this by having doctors and administrators share some of their keys to success in this arena. "One Dr. Thompson at the 2024 ASCRS Annual Meeting in Boston Source: ASCRS by Ellen Stodola Editorial Co-Director "From the leaders of ASCRS, ASCRS staff, and our membership, it's been amazing how it's like a big family trying to help each other, help our patients, and help our world." —Vance Thompson, MD

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