OOSS stays true to its mission: protecting patients, ASCs, and physician investments while developing beneficial industry partnerships.

Ophthalmic ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) remain the safest, most cost-effective, and most efficient surgical environment. This has been proven over the past 40 years. Today, 86 percent of ophthalmic surgical procedures are done in an ambulatory surgery center, while hospitals account for 12 percent and office-based surgical suites represent 2 percent of procedures.

The mission and priorities of the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society (OOSS) remain focused and unchanged. OOSS was formed in 1982 to educate physicians about ambulatory surgery centers development ownership opportunities. The early pioneers of ophthalmic ASCs knew they had a winning concept for patients, physicians, staff, and payers. These independent entrepreneurs collectively lobbied federal governmental agencies to gain recognition for ASCs. They advocated for appropriate regulation and oversight, as well as fair payment for surgical services.

Over the last four decades, the leaders of OOSS have changed. Over 200 physicians have served as directors of the society. While the OOSS board of directors has adapted to industry trends, needs, and challenges, the culture of OOSS remains patient-focused, business-minded, and dedicated to finding the most effective and efficient solutions for the provision of the very highest standards of care.

Over the past 16 months, OOSS has named a new president, David George, MD; elected a new vice president, William Wiley, MD; and named 10 new directors who represent important segments of the ASC industry—a new generation of surgeons, fiercely independent ASC physician-owners, national ASC management company executives, and private equity physician owners from all over the United States.

The experience and knowledge base of the OOSS board is deployed to support all ophthalmic patients, ASC owners, staff, and industry partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why should I join OOSS?

A. The Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society is the only professional organization in the United States solely dedicated to the interests of ophthalmic ASCs and their physician-owners. OOSS supports and represents members, patients, and industry partners in several key areas: advocacy, education, analytics, networking, and consultation to help your ASC succeed.

OOSS member benefits derive from the organization’s core advocacy mission—articulating and representing the interests and contributions of the ophthalmic ASC community while providing meaningful and relevant information and resources. And in the process, OOSS provides opportunities for members to network with peers, share best practices, and assume leadership roles among high-achieving professionals and high-performing surgery centers.

Whether you utilize all the programs for your ASC’s physicians and staff, or simply join OOSS to support the advocacy of ophthalmic ASCs in Washington, D.C., you are connecting to the professional organization that represents your interests.

Q. How can I ask OOSS colleagues time-sensitive questions?

A. Members can ask for advice, opinions, data, or sourcing leads via the OOSS chat feature, OOSSTalk, which is open to all members. OOSSTalk enables participants to reach physicians, administrators, and clinic directors in real-time for uncensored feedback. Or, call a member of the OOSS executive team—Mike Romansky, Diane Blanck, or Albert Castillo—as they are always ready to help.

Q. In a competitive talent marketplace, how can I get timely salary ranges for ASC positions in my region?

A. Participate in the OOSS Salary Surveys program to access timely national and regional data to help formulate your talent acquisition and retention strategy.

Q. Can OOSS help me educate new staff?

A. OOSS education programs include a broad spectrum of topics for physicians, as well as administrative and clinical staff. Programs are available at national meetings such as the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS), the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and Caribbean Eye; via webinar or digital OOSS on demand; the OOSS website; and The Ophthalmic ASC magazine. Additionally, we offer free monthly webinars through collaborative programs with Progressive Surgical Solutions and other industry experts.

At the beginning of May, OOSS will host a members and partners program during the ASCRS annual meeting in San Diego. The main topics will include “Keeping it Straight with the Feds and the State,” featuring Allison Shuren of Arnold & Porter, Kevin Corcoran of Corcoran Consulting Group, and OOSS counsel Mike Romansky providing guidance and answers in an interactive panel, and “Innovation that Makes Sense (and Dollars),” which is focused on how to optimize ASC operations and monetize new concepts. The programs will be available on the OOSS website after the ASCRS meeting.

Q. Can OOSS help me set up benchmarks and metrics to help measure my ASCs performance and plan for the future?

A. OOSS benchmarking includes hundreds of actionable business and clinical performance benchmarks. When you participate, you have access to comparative data to help gauge your facility’s performance, set goals, assess results, and make plans. If you need help interpreting your results, OOSS experts can help with analysis and success planning.

Q. I am considering building or buying shares of an existing ASC. Does OOSS provide support or expertise to help me evaluate the opportunity.

A. OOSS can advise and connect you with ophthalmic ASC owners as well as industry leaders, including those on our Board of Directors, along with a roster of proven expert consultants—architects and builders, management companies, financing organizations, legal, reimbursement experts, and more.

Q. How can I work with OOSS and interact with the society’s members?

A. The members and partners of OOSS fuel the society and its advocacy. We work closely with partners to educate members, advocate before CMS and Congress, provide platforms to connect with members, obtain qualitative and quantitative research, and design unique approaches to connect with our members.

Q. Does OOSS have any cost-savings opportunities to help me manage my profitability?

A. One program available to all OOSS members for free is membership in EyeProGPO, the first and only group purchasing organization focused on ophthalmology ASCs. EyeProGPO eliminates the need for ASCs to negotiate pricing with individual vendors and provides tools to streamline the purchasing process. Over the past year, EyeProGPO has grown to over 500 members, and has greatly increased its network of vendor partners. OOSS members who join EyeProGPO realize cost savings that average 12 to 20 percent on IOLs, MIGS devices, and surgical instruments, as well as workflow efficiencies gained through aggregated purchasing volume. To learn more, call (833) 439-3776 or visit their website at EyeProGPO.com .

Undeterred by noise and distractions, OOSS is laser-focused on representing and supporting ophthalmic ambulatory surgery centers to help ASCs thrive with proven, fact-based solutions that are best for patients, physicians, and staff.

We are reminded that facts matter. At a time when political rhetoric is blaring and marketing promises are loud, I urge you to trust and verify. Consult with your legal and reimbursement experts when evaluating new business models and reimbursement opportunities.

We remain positive. Positive that more challenges will come. Positive that we have the talent and tenacity to surmount them. Positive that our ophthalmic community will thrive. Positive that our commitment to high quality, safe and efficient patient care is unwavering.

Like our members and industry partners, OOSS is nimble and flexible, anticipating opportunities and responding to challenges. As ASCs continue to deal with staffing challenges and increased costs, OOSS delivers programs to ensure new and current staff are equipped, trained, and poised to provide exceptional care. While navigating the impacts of inflation on your business, scarcity of qualified workers, and the regulatory environment, know that OOSS is your advocate, your partner, and your resource. ■

Diane Blanck is the executive director of the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society. Reach her at dblanck@ooss.org.