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    2024 Year in Review: Advancements in Office-Based Surgery

    As 2024 draws to a close, iOR Partners reflects on a year that has been nothing short of extraordinary. Together with our physician partners and industry supporters, we’ve made monumental strides in advancing the movement to bring surgery into the office. This year was a testament to the power of visionary leadership, collaboration, and our unwavering dedication to revolutionizing ophthalmic care. Here's a look back at what made 2024 extraordinary, and how it’s shaping the future of office-based surgery. 

     

    Quick Stats at a Glance 

    This year, we’ve reached significant milestones that demonstrate the growing momentum around office-based surgery: 

    • 101 iOR Suites, 37 new this year, and 22 more in development.  
    • 1st international iOR Suite opened in Ireland, expanding our footprint globally. 
    • 179 surgeon partners revolutionizing surgical care. 
    • 102,543 OBS procedures to date, over 40,000 this year alone.  
    • 210k+ claims reimbursed, reinforcing the business viability and patient accessibility of in-office procedures. 
    • 44 iOR Suites accredited and OBS standards established with the Joint Commission and Quad A. 

    These milestones reinforce that office-based surgery is not just a trend—it IS THE FUTURE of ophthalmology that is transforming patient care. 

     

    Office-Based Surgery Making Headlines 

    2024 saw office-based surgery take center stage with industry and media recognition: 

    Young MD Connect: Innovations You May Not Learn About in Training
    OSN: Staff shortage on horizon for anesthesiologists in cataract surgery
    Eyetube: Innovations in Point of Service: Office-Based Surgery
    OSN: Office-based surgery holds potential but faces financial, legislative challenges
    Eyetube: Building an Office-Based Surgery Suite
    Ophthalmology Times: Seeking a solution to the anesthesia provider shortage
    CRST: Office-based Surgery
    Ophthalmic Professional: Office-based surgery: The next step
    Ophthalmology Management: ASCRS Wrap Up - OBS
    Eyewire News: iOR Partners - Eyecellerator interview
    Retina Podcast: In-Office Vitreoretinal Surgery Discussion with Dr. Omar Shakir
    OSN: Patient Outcomes Superior with Office-based Surgery
    Modern Retina: Office vitrectomy: A full-scale replacement for the ASC and hospital
    CRST: Boosting Phakic IOL Adoption Through Office-Based Surgery
    Ophthalmology Management: Office-Based Surgery: A Viable Alternative
    CRST: Improving Efficiency and Patient Outcomes With Office-Based Innovations
    Ophthalmology Times: AAO 2024: Office based surgery
    Ophthalmology 360: Ophthalmology practices are discovering the benefits of office-based surgery
    Ophthalmology 360: Office-based surgical interventions: clinician and patient feedback
    Eyewire News: iOR Partners Aligns with The Joint Commission Accreditation for Office-Based Surgery Centers

    Office-based surgery isn’t just making waves—it’s defining the future of ophthalmic care delivery. 

     

    Physician-Led Advisory Board to Guide the OBS Movement 

    Copy of Meet Our Strategic Advisory Board (Email Header)

     

     

     

     

     

    This year, we established a Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) composed of visionary, physician-led experts. The SAB has been instrumental in driving the office-based surgery movement forward by: 

    • Offering guidance on surgical outcomes data review and evidence-based advancements. 
    • Providing insights on market trends and emerging opportunities. 
    • Engaging with societies and key opinion leaders to amplify the impact of our mission. 
    • The SAB’s leadership has solidified iOR Partners’ position as a trusted authority and innovator in office-based surgery. 

    Industry Collaboration Driving New Horizons 

    Innovation and collaboration have been key to our success in 2024. Strategic partnerships have allowed us to unlock new opportunities and deliver cutting-edge solutions for our surgeon partners. 

    OBS-Specific Accreditation Standards 

    iOR Partners worked with The Joint Commission (TJC) and Quad A to develop national accreditation standards specifically for office-based surgical suites, ensuring consistent, high-quality and safe patient care.  

    In addition, malpractice carriers have adapted to OBS as a new standard of care. As OBS functions under the physician's license as opposed to a facility license, there is a gap between the first day of surgery and accreditation. Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company (OMIC) and other national malpractice carriers have eliminated the coverage gap, and many have agreed to continue coverage for physicians who perform anesthesia-free surgery. 

    Group Purchasing Power 

    Through our partnership with GPO4EYES, our surgeon partners gain access to group purchasing power, bringing surgical and clinic supplies at lower costs. By negotiating with top-tier vendors, we’ve simplified supply procurement and made quality materials more accessible. 

    Enhancing Workplace Wellness for Practices  

    Partnering with Alera Group, we are helping practices enhance workplace wellness. Alera Group’s services—ranging from insurance benefits to retirement and financial planning—empower our surgeon partners to prioritize employee well-being with cost-effective solutions. 

     

    iOR Club: Success Through Collaboration 

    The 4th Annual iOR Club Meeting at the 2024 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) in Chicago brought surgeons together to share OBS insights. The energy, collaboration, and enthusiasm at the event highlighted the shared vision of our community and its dedication to driving progress. 

     

    Thank You for an Incredible Year 

    Final Wrap Up 2024 (thank you)

    2024 was truly a year of partnership, progress, and purpose. At iOR Partners, we are deeply grateful to our surgeon partners, industry friends, and employees for making this our best year yet. Together, we’ve pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in ophthalmic care and set a new standard for excellence in office-based surgery. 

    Looking Ahead to 2025 

    The future is brighter than ever for office-based surgery. With continued innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improving patient care, we are poised to make even greater strides in 2025. Thank you for being part of this exciting journey—we can’t wait to write the next chapter together.