Objective:

To highlight the achievements and challenges faced by ophthalmic Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) in 2025 regarding regulatory and legislative objectives, emphasizing the role of community engagement.

Key Findings:

• ASC payment rates will increase by 2.9% in 2025, providing essential funding for operational improvements.
• OOSS successfully influenced Medicare to reverse payment limitations on MIGS procedures, enhancing patient access to care.
• CMS has not repealed burdensome quality measures despite community objections, which may hinder operational efficiency.
• OOSS continues to oppose payment for office cataract surgery until safety standards are met, ensuring patient safety remains a priority.

Interpretation:

The successes in advocacy reflect a strong collaborative effort among ophthalmic organizations, but ongoing challenges remain in maintaining quality and safety standards in ASCs, necessitating continued vigilance.

Limitations:

• The quality measure for patient visual function remains voluntary, creating potential inconsistencies in care quality.
• Payment limitations for certain MIGS procedures still exist, impacting patient treatment options.
• The political climate may affect future regulatory changes, introducing uncertainty for ASCs.

Conclusion:

Continued advocacy and community engagement are essential for maintaining the viability and safety of ophthalmic ASCs amidst evolving regulatory challenges, with specific actions needed to address identified limitations.