Eyeworld

12 October 2016 by Denise Monasterio ASCRS Communications Manager thalmic knowledge and finance and accounting. • Mentor Match: A unique platform that allows members to sign up as a mentor or mentee and provides an opportunity for members to connect and seek guidance from others in their field. • EyeMail: An online discussion forum that allows members to communicate directly with peers. • Resource Library: A repository of tools and templates including cash flow, budget, patient visit spreadsheets, job descriptions, scheduling checklists, sample policies, and more than 100 useful resources. • Web seminars: Online web ses- sions held throughout the year and archived for download on various topics such as "Emotion- al Intelligence for Exceptional Patient Outcomes" and "Business Operations: Moving from Techni- cian to Manager." "For the ophthalmic adminis- trator, ASOA is the most important resource for staying connected to the current issues in ophthalmolo- gy," said Daniel Chambers, MBA, COE, ASOA president. "Membership provides access to a wealth of infor- mation." Educational resources ASOA members have access to a great number of benefits to further their education, such as: • Administrator Beginner's Circle (ABC): A program for new admin- istrators (4 years or less in oph- thalmology practice management) that provides valuable resources to support and guide them in their new career. • ASOA Learning Center: An on- line center that offers continuing education and professional devel- opment opportunities focused on specific topics such as basic oph- So where can administrators go to gain the critical knowledge and skills they need to be top notch in their profession? Administrators can turn to the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASOA), the premier organization for the business side of the ophthalmic practice. Found- ed in 1986 by administrators for administrators, ASOA's mission is to advance the skills and professional- ism of ophthalmic practice manage- ment. ASOA offers various avenues for personal and professional growth, and provides support, tools, and re- sources for administrators, managers, physicians, and office staff to meet the daily challenges of managing a practice and gain expertise in key areas, including basic ophthalmic knowledge, human resources, finan- cial management, operations, risk management, regulatory compliance, and information technology. T here has never been a more important time to get practice management right. Practice administra- tors and ophthalmologists are mutual stakeholders in running a practice; the business side and the clinical side depend on one another for successful patient care and out- comes, for efficient business opera- tions, for proper coding and billing, and to ensure compliance with laws and regulations in a complex and evolving health care system. Physicians receive their med- ical training and licensure before beginning to practice as doctors. But those who run the business side of ophthalmic practices more often learn on the job or rise up from other administrative or technical positions to take on the critical role of a practice administrator—a role that requires a unique combination of clinical knowledge and business expertise. ASOA opens doors to opportunities ASCRS update October 2016 UPDATE

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