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ICO Notes
ICO Notes: Strategic and Other Plans for 2011

January 2011

Dear ICO Members and Friends,

As we continue to transition into this New Year, I want to express my appreciation to all of you for your involvement in the ICO and your commitment to the best in ophthalmology. We can consider ourselves fortunate to be involved in improving ophthalmology and eye care worldwide.

1. ICO Strategic Plan Update

The ICO has made considerable strides in the past few years and our challenge is both to maintain momentum and address the most critical public needs for eye care. In this regard, we are well into the process of creating a new strategic plan, one that will serve us for the 3-5 years ahead.

One of the priorities to emerge from the discussions thus far is the importance of working with and through our member societies. We can do much better in this regard and must continue to improve our joint efforts if we are going to be truly successful at improving eye care worldwide.

We are now preparing a draft strategic plan, which will soon go to the ICO Board and Advisory Committee for their review. Following that, we will ask ICO Member societies to comment, with a follow-up planning session of the Board and Advisory Committee at our meeting in Australia, March 17–18. A final draft will be circulated for approval or modification by July 2011, at which time we will have our road map going forward.

2. Please Join Us for the APAO Congress in Sydney this March

I hope you will be able to attend the 2011 Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress in Sydney, March 20-24. The ICO is co-sponsoring this Congress with hosts the APAO, and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).

The Scientific Program Committee, under Professor Charles McGhee, has created an excellent scientific program. And as one of the world’s most idyllic destinations, Sydney will not disappoint you with social and sightseeing opportunities.

APAO 2011 will be held at the Darling Harbor Convention and Exhibition Center. “Early bird” registration rates are available through January 15 at www.apaosydney2011.com.

3. Reserve Your Spot at the New Conference for Educators in Sydney

If you are planning to be at the APAO Congress in Sydney and are involved or interested in ophthalmic education, I hope you will make plans to attend our first Conference for Educators, March 18–19, just prior to the APAO Congress (March 20–24). It will be co-sponsored by-the APAO and RANZCO.

Inspired by the ICO’s popular Courses for Residency Program Directors, this new Conference is designed not just for program directors, but for all who are involved in teaching residents, subspecialists, medical student, allied eye care personnel, as well as in CME or any aspect of ophthalmic education. The Conference will feature:

• Keynotes and plenary sessions on adult learning, trends in medical education, and new techniques and tools
• Interactive practical workshops on subjects like teaching surgery and non-clinical competencies, e-learning, evaluation of trainees, and virtual patients
• Special interest group meetings of educators involved in teaching residents, subspecialists, medical students, allied personnel, and in CME Registration is free, but participants will need to cover their own travel and personal costs.

If you would like to attend, please complete the response form at: https://www.icoph.org/rsvp/Conference_for_Educators_Sydney_2011.html.

Please share this information with your colleagues or connections who may be interested. There are currently plenty of spots available, but we do expect to fill all available seats.

4. ICO Annual Dues Reminder

Your society’s annual dues contribute directly to the success of ICO’s education, eye care, and leadership programs.

Thanks to those of you who have made your dues payments promptly. For those who have yet to make a payment, I ask you to please make your payment as soon as possible. You can pay by credit card at https://www.icoph.org/member_dues_payment.html. We will also accept a wire transfer or check.

For your reference, a copy of the 2011 dues request mailing we sent last November is available here: www.icoph.org/downloads/ICOMemberDues2011.pdf.

If your society did not receive the invoice and mailing, or if you have any questions, please write to treasurer@icoph.org. I thank you again for your support and participation in the ICO.

With warm regards, Bruce

Bruce

Bruce Spivey, MD, MS, MEd
President, International Council of Ophthalmology

945 Green Street
San Francisco, CA, 94133, USA
Fax: (1-415) 409-8403
spivey@icoph.org
www.icoph.org