ASCRS News: Government Relations Update
Summer 2025
by Susanne Hewitt, MD
ASCRS Government Relations Committee Chair
ASCRS Government Relations and eyePAC at the 2025 Annual Meeting
At the 2025 ASCRS Annual Meeting, the focus extended beyond the operating room and into the halls of government. With healthcare policy continuing to shape the delivery of ophthalmic care, ASCRS highlighted its Government Relations and political action committee (eyePAC) efforts throughout the meeting, emphasizing the importance of member engagement in advocacy.
The Annual Meeting also marked the official transition for the ASCRS Government Relations Committee Chair. As a member of ASCRS for more than 20 years, I’m excited to take on this new role. I joined the Government Relations Committee in 2018 when the committee was expanding, and I was interested in how the Medicare reimbursement process works and how to make that better for patients and physicians. I look forward to working with you to advance ASCRS legislative and regulatory priorities.
I’d also like to acknowledge Parag Parekh, MD, who has served as ASCRS Government Relations Committee Chair since 2019. He will continue to serve as Immediate Past Chair. He first started on the ASCRS Government Relations Committee in 2008 and has made many important contributions to advocacy efforts at ASCRS.
At the ASCRS Government Relations booth in the ASCRS Tap Room on the Exhibit Hall floor, ASCRS members had a chance to meet the Government Relations staff as well as members of the ASCRS Government Relations Committee. Members learned how ASCRS lobbies on their behalf with Congress and the administration and how they can get involved to support these efforts. ASCRS used the Annual Meeting platform to reinforce the message that advocacy is a vital part of protecting and advancing the profession. With regulatory and legislative pressures mounting, the Society urged all members to participate in its advocacy initiatives—whether by donating to eyePAC, responding to calls for action, or meeting with lawmakers during congressional recesses.
The ASCRS Government Relations speaker at the 2025 Annual Meeting was William Flanary, MD (aka Dr. Glaucomflecken), who spoke on the ASCRS Main Stage. Dr. Flanary spoke about the challenges facing the American healthcare system, the importance of advocacy, and how physicians can advocate for themselves and their patients. You can read more about his presentation on the EyeWorld Onsite website.
A highlight of this year’s advocacy programming was the eyePAC VIP Lunch to recognize the Society’s top political advocates and supporters. The exclusive, invitation-only event brought together leading eyePAC donors, ASCRS leadership, and key Government Relations staff for a private luncheon focused on advancing the Society’s advocacy mission. Dr. Flanary attended and took questions from the audience.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth, attended the Government Relations session, and joined us for lunch. We look forward to seeing you next year for the ASCRS Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.
Join fellow ASCRS members for the Alliance of Specialty Medicine Legislative Fly-In
Each year, ASCRS participates in the Alliance of Specialty Medicine Legislative Fly-In. The Fly-In is organized by the Alliance to bring the 16 member medical specialty societies to Washington, D.C, to learn about policy issues affecting the specialty medical community and to meet directly with their representatives and senators to lobby for our policy initiatives. This year’s Fly-In will take place July 14–16, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Capitol Hill.
When members of the individual societies travel to Washington, they are able to demonstrate to lawmakers in person that the policies they make have a direct impact on physicians and patients in their districts and states. Participation from ASCRS members in this event has continued to grow, and we encourage you to join us.
Personal stories and experiences in practice are powerful motivators for legislative action. The Fly-In will enhance members’ understanding of public policy issues affecting ophthalmology, allow them to meet with their legislators and health policy staff, and provide networking opportunities with other ASCRS members, including Society leadership. Attendees will hear from leaders in Congress, administration officials, and other subject matter experts before visiting with their own legislators on Capitol Hill.
ASCRS members who reside in the U.S. who are interested in attending are encouraged to register for the Fly-In. ASCRS will cover registration and accommodation expenses, as well as up to $1,000 in travel expenses.
Register to attend using this Google Form. Registered attendees will receive event materials via the email used for registration. Also, congressional meetings will be scheduled based on the information provided.
The Alliance is contractually obligated to fill a certain number of rooms. Therefore, please only reserve your hotel room HERE. When using the room reservation link, the website prepopulates to arrive on July 14 and depart on July 16. If you would like to change your arrival/departure dates, please click on “Jul 14” and use the calendar. June 16 is the cut-off for hotel reservations.
Contact
Hewitt: suehewitt111@gmail.com
