Cataract Surgery Safety: Strategies to Reduce Adverse Events using a Systems Approach

Thursday, February 26, 2026 l 7pm - 8pm CST

Zoom Webinar

Presented by: Michelle Pineda, MBA, Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company (OMIC)

The largest number of OMIC claims are related to cataract surgery. Using actual claims and lawsuits, we will discuss the following objectives:

• Identify gaps in systems and processes that increase the risk of adverse outcomes.  
• Recognize system and human factors that contribute to patient harm. 
• Use a systems approach to apply lessons learned from malpractice claims to risk management and patient safety strategies to prevent similar events. 

About Michelle Pineda

Michelle Pineda is a Risk Manager who joined OMIC in January 2014. She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Literature from California State University, East Bay. Michelle has over 20 years in professional liability Claims, Sales and Risk Management.

About OMIC

Since 1987, OMIC has work to stabilize the insurance market for ophthalmologists, ensure the availability of insurance and appropriate pricing, and provide superior products and services created specifically for the specialty.  The promotion of patient safety and quality of care are key components of OMIC mission.

The session is for physicians and their staff.  Registration is free for WAO members.

Important Note: Please register for the event by clicking the link below.

2026 ISEPS/COS Annual Meeting

Friday, March 13, 2026 (one full day)
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL

Sponsored by the Illinois Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons and the Chicago Ophthalmological Society

Featured Topics

• Clinical topics include medical and surgical management for cataract, cornea, retina, glaucoma, oculoplastics, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatrics, inflammatory disease
• OMIC - Risk management presentation (qualifies for 10% OMIC premium discount)
• Public policy & advocacy
• Physicians also can attend the concurrent practice management sessions if they wish

Important Note: Please register for the event by clicking the link below.

2026 Virtual Codequest™ - Multistate

Monday, March 30 - Live via Zoom
1:00 - 5:00 p.m. CT
Duration: 4 hours

Registration Fee: $299 (includes access to on-demand recording of this live event)

Who should attend?

The entire practice team including ophthalmologists, technicians, scribes, billers and coders, compliance officers, practice managers/administrators.

Topics for the Four-Hour Session

• 2026 Coding Updates, Medicare Physician Fee Schedule changes, including an E/M and Eye visit code comparison and crucial payer policy changes
• Connect with the "Why": See how your understanding of coding improves efficiencies, contributes to stronger compliance, and pays off in real-world outcomes.
• Own Your Audit Strategy: Stay ahead of payer scrutiny related to modifier 25 and down coding, sharpen your documentation, and turn audit insights into accountable action.
• To Bill or Not to Bill: Make confident billing decisions with practical examples from current hot topics ensuring compliance and patient trust.
• Coding Competency Challenge: Test your skills and gain expert insights into frequently encountered coding questions to enhance your expertise and drive better outcomes.

Have a specific coding conundrum?

Email questions to codequest@aao.org before the course and get answers to your personal coding challenges.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CME Designation Statement

The American Academy of Ophthalmology designates this live activity for a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CME Designation Statement for Virtual (Live)

The American Academy of Ophthalmology designates this internet live activity for a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CME Designation Statement for Recording

The American Academy Ophthalmology designates this enduring material for a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AAPC will honor 1.0-for-1.0 CEUs for any event offering AMA PRA Category 1 credit™.

This program has been accredited for 4 IJCAHPO CE credits.

*IJCAHPO requirement for live stream course attendees to claim credits:

Completion of a post-course quiz with a passing score of 75% or higher

Quiz scores are reported to IJCAHPO within thirty (30) days of the course.

CEU credits not available for distance learning or recorded courses.

Attendance Eligibility Requirements

Attendance is limited to members of the Academy, AAOE, AAOP, and/or state ophthalmological societies and individuals directly employed by these members.

Americans with Disabilities Act Statement

The American Academy of Ophthalmology supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Should you require a specific accommodation or service to facilitate your participation in a Codequest coding course, please send a message to codequest@aao.org