Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

09/25/2025

It should not take 3 months, federal officials, and an investigative journalist to admit a problem. Humana you are on notice and we are standing up for our members. Thank you Shay McAlister for this excellent piece!

The impact has been swift and severe, according to the Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, with dozens of ophthalmology practices impacted across the state. "I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion an...

09/19/2025

We’re hearing from providers, patients and practices across Kentucky about alarming denials from Humana Medicare Advantage for common eye surgeries—procedures that protect vision and independence - that have been taking place since mid-summer. If this happened in your practice, to you or a loved one, DM us your story so we can advocate for access to care.

Why this matters:

Delays can worsen outcomes, especially for seniors.

Appeals are time-consuming and stressful for patients and practices.

If you’ve been affected:

Document dates, denial letters, and any appeal steps taken.

Share your experience with us (DM or email at jamie@kyeyemds.org) so we can escalate patterns to the KY Department of Insurance as well as elected officials to advocate for timely access to care. We will use de-identified information to brief policymakers and request corrective action.

Patients deserve clear, consistent coverage for medically necessary eye surgery. It’s time for solutions that put outcomes first.

08/26/2025

The KY Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons is pleased to announce its Fall 2025 Meeting to be held at The Club at Spindletop Hall in Lexington, Kentucky on October 10th, 2025.

**REGISTRATION to this FREE half-day event IS NOW OPEN FOR KAEPS Members**

Conference Theme: The Business of Ophthalmology

Ophthalmologists are highly trained to diagnose, treat, and manage complex eye care needs. Yet few receive formal preparation to lead teams, manage businesses, or navigate the operational challenges of a medical practice. Today’s healthcare environment requires more than clinical excellence—it demands leadership, effective communication, financial acumen, and strategic decision-making.

Program Highlights:

This FREE interactive half-day conference will provide: practical leadership skills for immediate application in clinical practice; strategies for team development and effective communication;
insights into financial management and strategic decision-making; and presentations from leading experts in wealth management and financial planning.

For questions about the conference or about becoming a KAEPS member please contact Jamie Ennis, Executive Director at 859-948-4626 or jamie@kyeyemds.org.

08/07/2025

The Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (KAEPS) is pleased to welcome back Jamie Ennis as its Executive Director and Lobbyist. Jamie is an accomplished public affairs professional with nearly two decades of experience in legislative advocacy, health policy, external relations, and organizational leadership. Her career has centered on being a relentless advocate for advancing better health outcomes across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Jamie previously held the role of Executive Director of KAEPS from 2016 to 2017, before being appointed by Governor Steve Beshear to serve on the inaugural Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund Board. She served with distinction as President for eight years, in honor of her son, Paxton, a survivor of stage 4 Burkitt’s lymphoma. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in securing more than $37 million in state funding dedicated to pediatric cancer research, changing the landscape of childhood cancer in Kentucky.

A former D.C. intern for Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, Jamie has been named one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Kentucky Politics (Kentucky Gazette), a Rising Star in Government (The Lane Report), and one of America’s Top Cancer Change Makers. She’s also a recipient of the prestigious Health Policy Champion Award from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. Jamie is also a graduate of Leadership Somerset, Leadership Lexington, and Leadership Kentucky.

Beyond her work in public policy, Jamie is the founder of Childero, a nonprofit ministry based in northern Uganda that supports Christian outreach, education, and health care services for orphans, including at the Gulu School for the Blind.

Jamie received her Master’s of Public Administration from Eastern Kentucky University. She resides in southcentral Kentucky and is the mother of three children: Paxton, Ansley, and Maura.

Jamie can be reached at 859-948-4626 or jamie@kyeyemds.org.

07/29/2025

Prolonged sun exposure is linked to eye cancer. Learn about protecting your eyes from UV rays: http://bit.ly/1P8mrc6

Ultraviolet (UV) light can harm your eyes and raise your risk of cataracts, growths on the eye and cancer. Follow these tips to protect your eyes from sun damage all year long.

07/08/2025

Tips for choosing the best sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun damage: http://bit.ly/1ZX0y7b

When you shop for sunglasses, carry this list with you. Sunglasses with these features can help prevent sun damage, keeping your eyes healthy and your vision strong.

06/24/2025

Did you know sparklers can burn 10x hotter than boiling water? Ouch! Find more fireworks facts to share with your kids in this animated video: http://bit.ly/20HpiR5

Fireworks are dangerous: Know what precautions to take at a fireworks show and what to do if your eye is injured by fireworks.

06/16/2025

1/3 of Americans know someone who has been injured by fireworks or has been injured by fireworks themselves. Learn what else Americans think about fireworks: http://bit.ly/1THycvZ

The Academy’s national fireworks survey found that while only 11 percent of Americans would let kids age 5 to 10 light birthday candles, more than half said children should be allowed to use sparklers

06/05/2025

Americans are more likely to stop kids from lighting birthday candles than preventing them from playing with sparklers. Learn what other attitudes Americans have about fireworks risks: http://bit.ly/1THycvZ

The Academy’s national fireworks survey found that while only 11 percent of Americans would let kids age 5 to 10 light birthday candles, more than half said children should be allowed to use sparklers

05/28/2025

Did you know smoking can lead to vision loss? Learn more about how ci******es harm your eyes here: http://bit.ly/1T1WkpR

Smoking contributes to major health problems, including heart disease and cancer. But many people do not know that smoking also affects your vision.

05/21/2025

Everyone needs a comprehensive eye exam by age 40, which is when your eyes start to change. Find out why dilated eye exams are important and what to expect when you have one: http://bit.ly/211OnqA

Getting an eye exam is an important part of staying healthy. Get the right exam at the right time to ensure your vision lasts a lifetime.

05/09/2025

May is Healthy Vision Month. Here are our top tips for keeping your eyes healthy: https://bit.ly/3vrvu5X

You’ve been told you have 20/20 vision, which is about as good as it gets. But life can take a toll on our eyes. Fortunately, we can take steps to protect our sight. These 20 tips will keep your eyes