Intrepid Eye Society

The Intrepid Eye Society is a diverse group of emerging thought leaders in optometry with a goal of promoting excellence and growth in the field. The group’s initiatives include advancement of optometry through innovative thought-sharing on topics related to future medical therapeutics, diagnostics, practice development, research and development, and collaborative care with ophthalmology.

The society was formed in 2015. The founding members’ vision for the group included following in the footsteps of leaders in optometry and educating and advising their colleagues and industry partners on all facets of optometry.

MOTIVATED MEMBERS

Intrepid currently has 33 members, with bylaws stating a limit of 40 members. The society is constantly looking for motivated and driven professionals wishing to collaborate with other ODs, with ophthalmology, and with industry to drive the profession forward. “A broad, diverse group of members in a variety of practice modalities is critical to Intrepid,” said Nathan Lighthizer, OD, FAAO, President of the group. “Our members practice in a wide array of settings from private practice to academia to OD/MD centers, among other modalities. This breadth of experience provides Intrepid unique perspectives in all facets of our profession.”

Education is a key pillar for Intrepid, whether in a live or virtual setting. The first Intrepid Eye Society CE event, in partnership with Medscape Live, is planned for this fall. The event will exclusively feature Intrepid Eye Society members, speaking on a variety of topics from the front to the back of the eye. Intrepid plans to continue its monthly webinar series, which to date has typically had between 400 and 800 ODs in attendance, at least through the end of the year. CE credits are offered free of charge to attendees.

COLLABORATION IS KEY

Collaboration with industry partners is also pivotal to Intrepid and is expected to increase in the future. “As technology, equipment, and therapeutics continue to advance, it will be imperative to work with industry to best understand what is new in our field and how to best implement that technology in the care of our patients,” Dr. Lighthizer said. “Development of new products and what’s in the pipeline also sets the stage for healthy long-term growth of our profession.”

Intrepid strives to serve the profession by working to empower the next generation of colleagues to achieve their full potential. To help accomplish this goal, the society established the Intrepid Student Outreach Program, an effort to engage with students to share clinical and career insights. The program is led by the organization’s Academic and Diplomatic Liaisons, Bita Asghari, OD, FAAO, and Fayiz Mahgoub, OD. Future efforts of the program will include hosting educational events at optometry schools in the United States and Canada and supporting student events at optometric conferences.