Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology

“The society has a management service agreement with the pa medical society (pamed), in which pamed provides administrative services to the society, which includes membership/administration coordination, board and committee support, marketing and communications, meeting coordination, technology management, and financial management. In return for these services, the society pays pamed a monthly base fee of 9,391.”

“The organization is a member driven organization. To qualify for membership, one must be a physician (holding a degree of doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy) whose practice of medicine has been limited to the specialty of ophthalmology for at least two years from the completion of his/her residency or fellowship training in ophthalmology. Members may also be currently in training at a qualified ophthalmology residency or fellowship program or retired. Qualified candidates must apply for membership and be approved by a membership committee.”

“The members of the organization have a vote which decides the governing body.”

“There are times throughout the year in which items for discussion require the entire memberships' vote for approval.”

“The management company reviews the form 990 and then distributes the form 990 to the entire board to review prior to filing.”

“A conflict of interest statement is completed annually by officers and directors. The president and executive director monitor the policy. Family and business relationships are expressly mentioned in the policy. Board members and other interested persons shall disclose all facts material to the conflict. Any such person will not participate in or be present to hear discussions on the conflict except to disclose material facts and respond to questions. The person will not vote on any questions regarding a conflict.”

“The organization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policies, and financial statements available to public inspection upon request.”

“Pennsylvania academy of ophthalmology was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in september 1990. The academy's purpose is to act as the voice of ophthalmologic medicine in pennsylvania; to foster among its members the provision of their talents, knowledge, and skill or the benefit of the public; to serve as a patient advocate in promoting preventive eye care; and to advance the knowledge, science, and practice of ophthalmology.”

“Partnership with the american academy of ophthalmology. These codequest seminars were held in pittsburgh, harrisburg, and philadelphia. 260 people attended these events. 3. The pao publishes two newsletters a year on topics relevant to ophthalmologists, including coding & reimbursement and legislative updates. 4. The pao partnered with the west virginia academy of eye physicians and surgeons on an educational meeting, including scientific topics and sessionson the business of medicine. 12 pao members attended.”