The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) has selected Sean Donahue, MD, PhD, as its new president.
Talk about AAPOS.
With an estimated 2,000 members across North America, the AAOPS establishes practice guidelines for pediatric ophthalmology and promotes training for pediatric eye care via the establishment of post-residency training programs.
The organization also supports research and education for the advancement of clinical care for adult patients with strabismus.
Now this incoming president.
Dr. Donahue has served as vice president of AAOPS since July 2023 and holds the following titles/positions:
- Sam and Darthea Coleman Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Vice chair for Clinical Affairs
- Ophthalmology Patient Care Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Executive ambulatory medical director
- Ophthalmology Patient Care Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Chief
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Service, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
Gotcha. So who is he replacing?
Deborah Alcorn, MD, an associate professor of Ophthalmology at the Stanford University Medical Center.
Dr. Alcorn’s tenure as president began in July 2023 and will expire in June 2024.
See here for a look at AAOPS’ current Board.
Back to Dr. Donahue … what’s his AAOPS experience?
He is reported to have been the lead author of several joint policy statements from AAOPS, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) pertaining to vision screening and pediatric eye exams in a primary care setting.
Most recently, he is noted as senior author of an AAOPS-AAO-AAP joint statement regarding visual abnormalities and treatment in pediatric patients with concussion.
Any specific recognitions?
Yes! Dr. Donahue was named a 2016 Choosing Wisely Champion by the AAPOS “for his work in developing a screening instrument to help reduce the number of children who receive unnecessary eye examinations.”
Note: The instrument served as the basis for the organization’s Choosing Wisely recommendation, which stated that “asymptomatic children do not need reading glasses and that pediatric vision screening should be done in pediatrician offices during well-child visits.”
And lastly, when will he assume his new role?
While Dr. Donahue was officially appointed as president during the 49th annual AAOPS meeting in Austin, Texas, earlier this month, he won’t assume his duties until July 1, 2024.
His 1-year term will end on June 30, 2025.