This is the last ASCRS This Week eblast until January 7. ASCRS wishes you a Happy Holidays!
You Can’t Avoid the Government—But You Can Understand It
SightLine at ASCRS is back—with a focused, one-day program that brings ophthalmology’s business leaders together for real talk on the financial forces shaping the specialty.
Meeting in 2026 in Washington, D.C., where federal decisions influence every part of the field, SightLine will explore how government and ophthalmology intersect to shape the future.
Hear straight from experts on CMS, FDA, FTC, and Congress, plus our core annual topics.
This is a fast-paced, in-person program built for candid conversations and actionable insights. Learn more.
Why You Can’t Miss the 2026 ASCRS Annual Meeting
Register today for the largest U.S. meeting dedicated to advancing innovation in anterior segment surgery: ASCRS Subspecialty Day and ASCRS Annual Meeting, April 10–13, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
The Annual Meeting has so much to offer, with focused education, networking, and innovation—as well as the opportunity to immerse yourself in experiencing the city.
Washington, D.C., is home to many iconic sites, museums, restaurants, and neighborhoods. Many are within easy walking distance from the Convention Center, perfect for squeezing in before or after sessions. Even if you’ve visited before, there’s always something new to explore!
This year, we’re also introducing new ways to balance your personal time out of the office with the features of the Annual Meeting by adding an Onsite Childcare Program and Annual Meeting Optional Excursions.
Discover the Many Ways to Support the ASCRS Foundation
Virtual Wine Tasting Event
Hosted by the ASCRS Foundation 20/20 Wine Club
Tuesday, February 3
7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT
This live, online event directly supports Operation Sight and the ASCRS Foundation's mission. Invite friends and colleagues—everyone is welcome! Enjoy wines from Jessup Cellars and Handwritten Wines, accompanied by commentary from ophthalmic leaders Vance Thompson, MD, Eric Donnenfeld, MD, Kerry Solomon, MD, and Jim Mazzo.
Order your tasting kit when you register today. Membership is not required to participate. Active members of the 20/20 Wine Club can participate at a discount.
Make a Donation
Consider a donation to the ASCRS Foundation as part of your end-of-year giving plans. With your support, we can help provide critical care to those who are uninsured or under-insured—offering them the chance for a better life, free from the limitations of vision loss.
Your donation, no matter the size, makes a world of difference. Whether you give today or choose to include ASCRS in your donor-advised fund (DAF) or planned giving, your generosity directly helps those who need it most.
Make a tax-deductible donation today and give the gift of sight—an enduring gift that will transform lives for years to come. We appreciate your continued support.
Party for a Purpose (Onsite at the Annual Meeting)
Friday, April 10
8:00–11:00 p.m.
Kick off the ASCRS and ASOA Annual Meetings with a high-energy Party in the USA. Cheer on the teams competing in dance and donations and enjoy musical performances taking you on an American road trip honoring the Star and Stripes during its 250th year. Donations benefit the ASCRS Foundation and Operation Sight. To lead or join a team and take part in this fun, meaningful event, please contact Laura Rousseau.
Business of Interventional Glaucoma Returns for Second Program
The Business of Interventional Glaucoma will return for a second program April 9, 2026, hosted by ASCRS and ASOA. The Business of Interventional Glaucoma program seeks to provide ophthalmology professionals with the tools and strategies needed to effectively manage and grow interventional glaucoma services.
Designed for physicians, practice administrators, and clinic staff, this program provides the tools and strategies needed for sustainable growth and success.
The program will cover topics like billing for interventional glaucoma procedures, the patient experience, building an interventional glaucoma consult, and more, and it will also feature a variety of speakers across ophthalmology, including Kathy Disner, Arsen Grigoryan, MBA, COE, Christine Funke, MD, Matt Jensen, Kirk Mack, COE, COMT, CPC, CPMA, Ashton Poe, COT, OCS, OSC, Deb Ristvedt, DO, Ben Seals, MBA, Elizabeth Sinisi, BHA, COA, OSC, ROUB, CPSS, CEP, Christopher Spearman, MD, and Matt Walker, OD.
Be part of what’s next and join us on Thursday, April 9 in Washington, D.C. Register now!
2026 MPFS and OPPS/ASC Payment Rules—
Your Time to Get Involved
ASCRS Government Relations is actively working to address the final 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which includes two deeply flawed policies that will significantly reduce reimbursement for ophthalmologists and other surgical specialists. Hear from ASCRS Government Relations Committee Chair Susanne Hewitt, MD, on this topic.
Congress must act before the end of the year and pass legislation to stop these flawed policies from taking effect on January 1, 2026.
Your voice matters! Get involved by visiting the ASCRS Action Alert page, entering your info, and using our automated system to reach out to your legislators.
MPFS Highlights:
- Conversion factors: $33.57 (APM Qualifying Participants [QPs]) and $33.40 (non-QPs), up 3.77% and 3.26% respectively from 2025.
- Updates include: +0.75% (QPs), +0.25% (non-QPs), +2.5% (One Big Beautiful Bill Act), and +0.49% budget neutrality.
- Cataract surgery (66984) payment rate drops 11% to $462.94 due to changes to the work and practice expense RVUs.
Read more from ASCRS on the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS)
OPPS/ASC Highlights:
- Cataract surgery payment rises to $1,255.73 (from CY 2025 rate of $1,214.31) after CMS corrects IOL cost packaging error.
- ASC conversion factors: $56.322 (for those meeting quality reporting requirements) and $55.224 (for those not meeting quality reporting requirements).
Read more from ASCRS on the CY 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System Policy Changes and Payment Rates.
Check Your Inbox for ASCRS Abstract Acceptance
Abstract acceptance notifications have now been sent via email for the 2026 ASCRS Annual Meeting.
If you submitted an instructional course, paper, film, or electronic poster, check your inbox for your submission status.
If you have not received an email, please reach out to [email protected]
Important Resources
- ASCRS Annual Meeting: April 10–13, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
- SightLine at ASCRS: April 9, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
- Business of Interventional Glaucoma: April 9, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
- ASCRS Foundation 20/20 Wine Club Virtual Tasting: February 3, 2026
- CME 24/7: Your source for the latest online CME from ASCRS; member login required
- Calculators and Tools: Essential tools for your practice
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