American Academy of Ophthalmology

A 50-year-old woman’s fluorescein angiography incidentally revealed early filling of an artery during the choroidal flush phase, consistent with cilioretinal artery. This vessel, originating from the superior aspect of the optic disc, appeared to supply a large part of the superotemporal retina along with the superior half of the macula. The central retinal artery was seen dividing into an inferior branch and small superior branches supplying the nasal part of the retina. Cilioretinal arteries are the most common retinal vascular anomaly and in approximately 0.6% of cases, can supply about one-fourth of the retinal circulation.

From “Anomalous Cilioretinal Artery” by Parul Yadav, MBBS, Rohan Chawla, MD, FRCS, Abhishek Dwivedi, MOptom. Published by Ophthalmology Retina online on October 23, 2025.

Read: https://ow.ly/lTXe50YEFie

Good news on modifier -25.

CMS has removed conflicting guidance from its Medicare Learning Network E/M materials that created confusion around billing E/M services on the same day as intravitreal injections. The inconsistent examples exposed practices to audit risk, compliance uncertainty, and potential barriers to patient care.

After direct advocacy from the Academy, ASRS, and the AMA, CMS reviewed the concerns and took action. This is a meaningful win for ophthalmology practices and the patients they serve.

We'll continue working with CMS to ensure future guidance remains aligned. In the meantime, keep documentation strong, educate your staff, and consider internal audits to support compliance.

Learn more at aao.org/modifier25 and in Washington Report Express.

Medicare

Patient portals can improve communication — but they can also create legal risk if used carelessly. Here are some common pitfalls and how ophthalmologists can better protect themselves. https://ow.ly/n7xb50Z6NNe

Eye care has a crisis in on-call coverage, and these ophthalmologists are trying to fix it. explores what’s broken and asks what sustainable solutions might look like. [Academy members]

On Call, Under Pressure Can Ophthalmology Stabilize Emergency Eye Care? Is the crisis in on-call coverage at a turning point? Here’s why some ophthalmologists share a guarded optimism.

Intro to can feel intimidating — until you realize how much impact physicians can have simply by showing up. One YO shares five lessons learned from getting involved and why advocacy matters more than many ophthalmologists realize.

Intro to Advocacy: 5 Things I Learned at My First Advocacy Day As a first-year ophthalmology resident and first-time advocate at the state level, Jia Jia Zhang, MD, felt deeply underprepared to debate...

State-level can have a direct impact on and patients alike. Here are four practical tips for getting involved locally and making your voice heard.

State-Level Advocacy: 4 Tips to Get Involved and Have Impact Sustained advocacy efforts in our local communities throughout the year both inform elected officials about the issues facing ophthalmology and...

Get advice on the Residency Match season at the June 3 AAO/AUPO webinar at 8 p.m. ET. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z1dZ8xRRT-WszGwQMoPNzg

AUPO

What's new in this week?

From tools to reduce waiting anxiety to what young survivors experience after enucleation, here's what you need to know: https://ow.ly/2Nkr50Z3nRK

Week in Review: Multimedia Tools to Reduce Waiting Room Anxiety, Retinoblastoma Survivors’ Quality of Life After Enucleation A combination of soothing music and accompanying video in the ophthalmologist waiting room appears to lower patient anxiety levels, and young...

Build a stronger, more efficient clinical team. The 2026 Academy Training Course provides practical, hands-on education to help clinical staff develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in today’s practice environment.

Register today:https://ow.ly/aUAv50Z5icq

Great news! May 29 is the extended early registration deadline for the 2026 Global Ophthalmology Summit in Philadelphia, Aug. 7-9. Save up to $185 when you register by May 29, 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time). https://ow.ly/nTM050Z4ZIz