American Academy of Ophthalmology

11/21/2025

CMS NEWS UPDATE: Just now CMS released the final OPPS/ASC rule with a 2.6% increase for 2026.

We are pleased that CMS listened to the ophthalmology community’s concerns and recalculated the ambulatory payment classifications for cataract removal surgery in the final Outpatient-ASC rule. The 2026 ASC rate for CPT 66984 is $1,255.73, a 3.4% increase from the current facility payment.

Read:https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-20907.pdf

11/21/2025

“Don’t be afraid to pivot when you try something, especially with all the new technology coming out.” — Rupa Wong, MD

Check out this behind-the-scenes look at through her eyes. Revisit breakthrough moments by registering for AAO 2025 Virtual: aao.org/annual-meeting/virtual-meeting

11/21/2025

Drawing together: meet glaucoma specialist, mother, and artist, Lucy Q. Shen, MD. [Academy Members]

In this Q&A, Lucy Q. Shen, MD, describes how art serves as both an escape from stress and a meaningful way to connect with her child.

11/20/2025

How disastrous is CMS’ new payment policy?

The impact on cataract surgery reimbursements alone will amount to an 11% reduction in payment.

Although CMS rejected our 30-page analysis that took apart the flawed logic inherent in the new policy, the fight for our profession and our patients is not over.

Congress can still stop it before it takes effect on Jan. 1.

Congress needs to hear directly from ophthalmologists like you. Now.

Tell them how these cuts will impact patients, their constituents back home, and your practice.

Using the Academy’s online tools makes contacting Congress easy. Link in bio to find out how to get involved and to listen to our podcasts with Dr. John McAllister, the Academy’s Secretary for Federal Affairs; Brandy Keys, the Academy’s Director of Health Policy; and Rebecca Hyder, the Academy’s Vice President of Government Affairs.

11/20/2025

Dr. Maira Gómez Velasco manages late-onset retinal detachment in a patient with regressed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), detailing the combined surgical approach, intraoperative findings, and follow-up that led to anatomical and functional success for this patient.

Watch:

Dr. Maira Gómez Velasco describes a combined surgical approach to managing retinal detachment as a sequela of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

11/20/2025

The 2025 Academy Foundation’s Annual Report, Connecting Communities, celebrates the difference we can make together. Let’s take it further this giving season starting with on Dec. 2.

Learn more about how giving back supports the Academy’s mission to protect sight and empower lives. https://ow.ly/VFzw50XurHj

11/20/2025

When the wall of the eyeball is breached, your response matters. This repair guide breaks it down so you’re not figuring things out in the OR for the first time.

Open globe injuries can be scary to take care of, especially early on in your career as a young ophthalmologist.

11/19/2025

Is cerebral/cortical visual impairment on your radar? Get up to speed on this condition, which is often not recognized. [Academy Members]

A major cause of childhood vision impairment, cerebral visual impairment is often not recognized. What you need to know.

11/19/2025

Don’t let uveitis catch you off guard. From presentation to treatment to referral, here’s how YOs can build clarity in a complex space.

Learn how to recognize, work up, and manage uveitis—from identifying subtle signs and systemic clues to knowing when to call a uveitis specialist....

11/18/2025

ophthalmologists: curious about which lens to use when performing indirect ophthalmoscopy? Watch this video for some tips.
https://ow.ly/crkC50XqJhE

Dr. Deanna Dang, a resident at Dean McGee Eye Institute, provides pearls on the optimal lenses to use for indirect ophthalmoscopy in younger children.

11/18/2025

Subscribe to the Academy’s question bank. The Self-Assessment Program helps residents with prep and supports ophthalmologists earning self-assessment credits Answer: B https://ow.ly/QkjR50Xo6GV

11/18/2025

Fear of what could go wrong can freeze you—learn how to act when things do go off script. Here’s essential learning for early career surgeons.

Even the best surgeons face complications — but preparation, communication, and resilience turn fear into growth. This Halloween-themed reflection...