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ICO Notes
The ICO “Down Under”

April 2011

Dear ICO Members and Friends,

I want to express my gratitude to all of you who attended the 26th Congress of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) in Sydney, Australia, co-sponsored by the ICO and hosted by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO). The Congress was a stellar event with stimulating scientific and social programs enjoyed by all who attended.

1. Sydney Board Meeting News

The ICO Board of Trustees met on March 17-18, 2011, in Australia’s Hunter Valley to discuss Board-related issues and to continue the strategic planning process launched during the 2010 World Ophthalmology Congress in Berlin.

At the meeting, the Board adopted the following statement on certification of allied eye care personnel:

The ICO recognizes the value of national and international certification by organizations with proven expertise in the training and certification of allied care professionals (mid level personnel). Partnerships with government and non-government organizations (such as IJCAHPO) will help reach the goal of VISION 2020 and improve global eye health for future generations.

Also at the Board Meeting:

• On behalf of ICO Vice President Akef El-Maghraby, MD, Secretary General Jean-Jacques De Laey, MD, presented the Naumann Award to Dr. Frank Billson of Australia. Professor Billson presented a lecture on Leadership in Global Eye Care that will be available in the ICO Leader Letter and on our Web site.
• The Board elected Peter Wiedemann,MD, to the Board as an Ordinary Member, pending ratification by the General Assembly in February. Dr. Wiedemann is the Scientific Program Committee chairman for the 2012 World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC), February 16–20, 2012, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
• Treasurer Hugh Taylor, MD, AC, reported to the Board on ICO finances and formation of a new Budget Committee to provide broader input into review of the budget. The Board approved the Treasurer’s report, including a revised budget for 2011 with total expenses of $2.9 million.

2. Strategic Planning Process

The updated and revised Strategic Plan will be sent under separate mailing to ICO Members next month. I hope you will look for this mailing and respond with your comments.

3. First Conference for Ophthalmic Educators, Sydney

The first Conference for Ophthalmic Educators, which was held March 18-19 just prior to the APAO Congress in Sydney, was an outstanding success with attendance of more than 100 participants. Co-sponsored by the ICO, APAO and RANZCO, Conference attendees were energized and passionate. Polled by Dr. Karl Golnik, chair of the coordinating committee on regional conferences, 97% of participants supported organization of future conferences for educators.

The Conference was organized to help ophthalmic educators learn more about modern educational theory, methods and tools and develop relationships that will enable them to enhance educational programs and ultimately raise the level of eye care in their region.

A more detailed report on the First Conference for Educators will be in the April ICO Leader Letter and presentations from the plenary sessions will be available on the ICO Web site.

Watch your email for an invitation to the second Conference for Educators on July 5, 2011 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in conjunction with the 19th Pan-American Congress of Ophthalmology, July 7 to 9 (www.paao2011buenosaires.org.ar). The Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology and Argentine Council of Ophthalmology are co-sponsors of the Buenos Aires Conference.

With warm regards,

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