Coping in a Time of Crisis

It’s surreal to think how much has changed since the time we wrote the editorial for the March issue. The COVID-19 pandemic has fully taken hold, lifting many of our brothers and sisters off their feet, turning them upside down, and shaking them relentlessly. We’ve seen so much bad news and not much good. Many of our colleagues have had to close their practices or limit their hours, seeing only urgent and emergent cases, and many have had to make some tough decisions regarding employees. Adding to the professional toll this virus has taken, the social isolation that’s been necessary has also been rough for many. There have been deaths, but no viewings or funerals, and births, but no partners allowed in delivery rooms.

Despite it all, we are in this together, and as this pandemic evolves, Modern Optometry aims to make sure our readers stay on top of news regarding the impact of the virus on our profession. We have an amazing editorial board, and if there is anything we can do to help you, please let us know. If you’re looking for guidance or support on how to navigate these uncertain times, we will look for answers or find someone to connect you with.

As hard as it is sometimes to break away from obsessing over coronavirus 24/7, we do want to acknowledge the work of the authors in this issue. We have eight great articles in our glaucoma cover focus, on topics ranging from new drugs and delivery options, to comanaging patients before and after glaucoma surgery, to neuroprotection, to when the diagnosis isn’t actually glaucoma, and more. As the cover headline states, these articles can truly serve as a roadmap to treating patients with this serious disease.

If you’re interested in pediatric eye care, we have several articles that are sure to interest you. Scott E. Schachter, OD, explains the link between digital device use and vision in kids; Christina M. Twardowski, OD, FAAO, provides an overview of common pediatric anterior segment disorders and diseases; and Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO, explores the occurrence of dry eye in children.

Other articles of interest in this issue include a piece on the importance of collaborative eye care by Andrew J. Mackner, OD, in which he interviews one of the pioneers of optometric comanagement; a brief explanation of the virtues of emergency eye care by Patrick Vollmer, OD, FAAO; and a rundown of optometry smartphone apps by Joshua Davidson, OD, FAAO, FSLS.

Before we sign off, we want you to know that if you’re looking for one place to go to check in on COVID-19 coverage, Bryn Mawr Communications (BMC), the publisher of Modern Optometry, has you covered. Eyewire.news now has a section dedicated to COVID-19 news. Additionally, special COVID-19 episodes of The MOD Pod are available on Eyetube.net (under the “Podcasts” tab). And if you’re in need of no-fee CE credit, check our website for a link to courses from Evolve Medical Education. As always, email us anytime at modernOD@bmctoday.com with questions or comments.

Stay healthy out there.