Where do you see our great profession heading in the future? And what can you do to take your practice to the next level? These are just a couple of the questions that we must ponder and embrace as we enter 2024, and beyond!
There are several ways we can help shape and guide the future of optometry. (One great place to start is reading some of the articles in this issue.) Another important area of focus is on mentorship. We all have mentors, those individuals who have helped each of us get to where we are today. One mantra that the three of us agree on is, “You get out of optometry what you put into optometry.” This is a mindset we continue to share with students, residents, and colleagues alike. If you don’t have a mentor, please feel free to reach out to us, and we would love to help.
Our cover focus for this issue of Modern Optometry is on glaucoma, and you will hear from several authors on what’s new and exciting in this space. As the eye care landscape evolves, optometry will be called upon to provide more medical and surgical eye care services. Jessica Schiffbauer, OD, FAAO, spearheads this discussion with her article on managing postoperative complications. Although the majority of glaucoma procedures are successful, with proven efficacy and safety, no surgery is without risks. We must be able to manage, collaborate, and communicate the unexpected with our surgical colleagues. We must also remember that systemic health plays a role in glaucoma, and Chris Kruthoff, OD, FAAO, explains this intricate relationship in his article, “Glaucoma and Systemic Health: Making the Connection." Other important topics in the future of glaucoma management include the role of genetics (explained by Ellen Butts, OD), neuroprotection and potential regeneration (covered by Sayf Al-Khazraji, OD, and Brett J. King, OD, FAAO), and in-office treatment of anatomically narrow angles (described by Aubry Tackett, OD, and Nate R. Lighthizer, OD, FAAO).
When we look at the future of optometry, we need to consider the ways society and technology will affect our profession and how we practice. As primary eye care providers, we play a critical role not just in early detection and treatment of ocular disease, but also in their prevention. A topic we are hearing more and more about is health equity, the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. Relevant issues that we must thoughtfully address include societal injustice, social determinants of health, and elimination of health disparities.1,2 Brittany Wright, OD, MS, FAAO, addresses health equity and practice inclusivity in this issue. Chris Kuc, OD, FAAO, discusses some of the innovative technologies ODs can use to diagnose ocular conditions at the earliest stages. As we continue to innovate, we must also be able to provide clinically efficient care. Jen Wademan, OD, reviews pearls on how to use technology to boost efficiency in your practice.
We hope you enjoy this issue and find some inspiration on how to help shape the future of our profession. On behalf of the entire Modern Optometry team, may you have an incredible 2024!
— Walt Whitley, OD, MBA, FAAO
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