At the business meeting of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), Dr. Daniel P. Schaefer, M.D., F.A.C.S., Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic and Facial Reconstruction Specialist with Atwal Eye Care at 4590 Main Street, Amherst, was elected to the position of 2019 President of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) was founded in 1969 to establish a qualified body of surgeons who have training and experience in this highly specialized field. The purpose of ASOPRS is to advance education, research and the quality of clinical practice in the fields of aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery specializing in the face, orbits, eyelids, and lacrimal system.
The Society has national and international members and sponsors several scientific meetings yearly, to help train well qualified physicians in the field of Oculoplastic and Facial Reconstruction. ASOPRS also sponsors specialized fellowship training for postgraduate physicians who have completed an accredited ophthalmology residency.
ASOPRS represents the best in ophthalmology and plastic surgery. This highly specialized and trained group of physicians is consistently at the forefront of clinical practice, education, and scholarly research. Members of the organization are involved in a variety of activities to promote the society and its goals. This includes the publication of our journal, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, coordinating several meetings each year, and training tomorrow’s leaders in the field through our fellowship programs. In addition, members are involved in advocacy of the society’s goal on the national and international level through the AAO, AMA, and other organizations dedicated to education and clinical care.
All ASOPRS members have completed post residency fellowships, 2 years, in Oculofacial Surgery. Completion of one of these competitive fellowships alone is not sufficient to gain entrance to ASOPRS. Applicants for membership are required to submit a scientific thesis of original research on a topic related to Oculofacial Surgery. When this thesis has been accepted after vigorous review by the Society, applicants are then required to pass both a written exam and an Oral exam administered by the Society, to test the depth of knowledge and medical judgment of the applicant.
Only after all of these steps have been completed is a surgeon invited to become a member of ASOPRS. This ensures that ASOPRS members have the training, experience, and medical judgment necessary to provide state of the art care for all eyelid, lacrimal, orbital and facial plastic and cosmetic problems.
