The Optometric Retina Society
As the scope of patient care in optometry continues to expand, it is more important than ever for primary care optometrists to bolster their retina knowledge and skills. The mission of the non-profit Optometric Retina Society (ORS) is to educate clinicians, educators, residents, and students on the latest advances in treating and managing vitreoretinal diseases. The ORS was established in 2003 by support of industry and founding fellows, Rex A. Ballinger, OD; Anthony A. Cavallerano, OD; Jerry D. Cavallerano, OD, PhD; Mark T. Dunbar, OD; Matthew D. Garston, OD; Andrew Gurwood, OD; William L. Jones, OD; Maynard L. Pohl, OD; Leo P. Semes, OD; Jerome Sherman, OD; and Joseph Sowka, OD.
The ORS is currently comprised of 51 fellows with the designation of FORS. Officers of the ORS encourage optometrists, residents, and students to consider becoming a fellow of this distinguished organization. For qualified optometrists looking to get more involved in the retina sphere, the ORS is currently accepting new applications (see Become a Member).
ORS LEADERSHIP
President:
Mohammad Rafieetary, OD, FAAO, FORS
Vice President:
Christopher L. Suhr, OD, MPH, FAAO, FORS
Treasurer:
Julie Rodman, OD, MSc, FAAO, FORS
Secretary:
Jim Williamson, OD, FAAO, FORS
MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES
The ORS has fostered an active community of optometrists who share a clinical interest in retina. Members frequently present on cutting-edge topics, including a recent webinar on genetic testing for the management of inherited retinal diseases, given by ORS President Mohammad Rafieetary, OD, in June.
Coming up December 11-12,
Dr. Rafieetary and ORS Fellow Steven Ferrucci, OD, will be chairing and presenting alongside other ORS Fellows at the 2021 Retina Update annual conference, which will take place in Newport Beach, California and virtually. This meeting will offer attendees up to 11 live CE credits (COPE approval pending).
BECOME A MEMBER
The ORS offers three classes of membership: fellow member, resident/student member, and fellow emeritus, and is currently assessing ways to help increase its membership. Qualified individuals interested in becoming a member of the society can find details about the application process at www.optometricretinasociety.org/join-us/ or by emailing mrafieetary@charlesretina.com.
ONLINE RESOURCES
In addition to educational events, the society’s website houses a library of helpful resources for optometrists looking to enhance their body of knowledge in retina, including links to peer-reviewed journals, optometry and ophthalmology organizations, foundations that support research, and online databases.
The ORS also publishes a quarterly e-newsletter that contains clinical images and puzzles to help members sharpen their diagnostic skills; journal abstracts to allow them to stay updated on the latest retina research advances; and industry news to keep them up to date with products and technology currently in the pipeline. Learn more about the society at
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