Lance J. Kugler, MD.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—iOR Partners, a specialist in ophthalmic office-based surgery (OBS), announced that Lance J. Kugler, MD, has been named chairman of its strategic advisory board. According to the company, Dr. Kugler has played a key role in the evolution of OBS, opening one of the first OBS suites in 2017, and publishing a study on the safety of office-based lens surgery in 2023. In his new role, Dr. Kugler will provide physician guidance to the iOR leadership team and help form and lead the strategic advisory board, according to the announcement.

“As chairman of the strategic advisory board, I am excited to help iOR Partners further advance its mission of delivering exceptional office-based surgical solutions that prioritize patient safety and satisfaction,” said Dr. Kugler, founder and CEO of Kugler Vision, Omaha, Neb.

Dr. Kugler was the first president and a founding member of the Refractive Surgery Alliance (RSA), the RSA’s liaison to the American Refractive Surgery Council, and previously served as the director of refractive surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he led resident education and research programs to advance the field of refractive cataract surgery, according to the announcement.

 
James Williams, iOR’s chief executive officer, said, “Dr. Kugler is one of the most experienced OBS surgeons in the country and he brings a deep understanding of the ophthalmic office-based surgery paradigm, as well as the challenges that ophthalmologists face. His expertise will be invaluable as iOR Partners continues to expand its reach and innovate in the field."

iOR Partners provides practices with support for a successful OBS program, according to the company. iOR’s comprehensive services include planning, development and launch, accreditation and compliance, materials management, OBS billing expertise and operational oversight.