Atlanta Vision Loss Center

The account will be moved because of a change in the Treasurer. The new treasurer is Patti Fuhr.
We are considering using caterers for the LVRG Social, since the company that has been providing the seafood hasn't been doing such a good job.
The party usually costs approx. $900.00 of which $600.00 is covered by individual's payments. Therefore the outstanding cost is $2-300.00.
Allowing for the Atwell award, we need to raise approximately $800.00 per year.
The importance of getting people to say before hand if they are going to attend the social was stressed, so that the amount of seafood can be planned.

Atwell Award

There are 8 nominees this year.
The potential conflict of interest for judging was discussed: Historically it is the committee members who judge the presentations (any member is allowed to nominate candidates). It was decided that a conflict of interest for judging posters exists if the person is a co-author or supervisor of the nominee, in which case that committee member should refrain from voting. Nominations can be made by co-authors - this was not considered a conflict.
The issue of judging posters not seen was discussed. It was decided that members of the committee do not have to hear the verbal presentation to judge the posters, but if the poster is not seen at ARVO, then the member should contact the nominee after ARVO and request a copy of the text and figures, so that those judging can rank all the posters in order (1=best).

Election of Program Committee Officers

The history of the LVRG was reviewed by Roger.
It was suggested that we might consider a publicity officer. This decision was deferred.
It was noted that there should be 10 people at the ARVO meetings, which includes the two new and two retiring committee members (this has never actually happened to date!).
The following officers were nominated and elected:
President - Sue Leat
Treasurer - Patti Fuhr
Secretary - Olga Overbury

Website and E-Mail Capabilities

Since we have decided to go electronic, the E-mail list needs to be kept current. There are currently about 50 addresses that are bouncing back. It was suggested that we send a new message around by CVNet to obtain new members and current addresses and that we do this annually or bi-annually.
We also need to decide what role the LVRG should perform re. electronic communication. Gale Watson and Ron Schuchard are willing to support this function at present and the VA approves in principal. Ron will send round an E-mail to the LVRG committee to request suggestions for what services would be useful.
Thanks were given to Gordon Legge et al. for all the work that they have put in to creating the Website. The name has been changed from Lovnet to LVRGNet and will now be supervised by Ron Schuchard and Gale Watson.

Nominations for Program Committee

We need a short bio-sketch from each person. The president usually does this. We will then make a call for votes.

Possible Merger with International Group

The International group will sponsor a newsletter, the Journal, and a conference every 3 years. There is a membership fee of $15.00.
The LVRG could become affiliated or could be the North American Chapter of the International group.
It was mentioned that the LVRG is already an International group and that by becoming the N. American Chapter we would "disenfranchise" some members. Although having no membership fee makes us fragile (depending on the support of other organizations), it was felt that if this situation becomes untenable, we could introduce a fee at that time.
It was decided that committee members who are going to the New York conference would speak to Aries Arditi to get more information about the International group.