This summer has no doubt been different from what any of us could possibly have imagined it would be. Each day brings new headlines and challenges to overcome as we continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, hopefully we have all been able to find some time for family, a quick getaway or staycation, and a chance to recharge our batteries.
During the ongoing health care crisis, we eye care professionals are developing new protocols to keep ourselves and our patients safe as we provide care. We continue to face challenges from outside disruptors, but this only forces us to accelerate our field toward more medically focused practice models.
Through all of this, one thing is crystal clear: Optometry is an amazing profession filled with a wide spectrum of opportunities and many talented and resilient doctors. We are willing to work together for the betterment of our neighbors and fellow doctors. We share a common foundation, one based on service to others, as we work to protect the precious sense of vision and the health and well-being of our patients.
One common threat to our patients’ health and well-being is ocular surface disease (OSD). July is Dry Eye Awareness Month, and those of you looking to build and grow your focus on OSD will find this July/August issue of Modern Optometry to be a valuable resource as you focus on preventive versus reactive care. Remembering to treat the whole patient is important, as we are often the first providers to raise a concern for systemic diseases such as Sjögren syndrome.
Understanding that inflammation is an underlying factor for all OSD is also important. You’ll find that the articles in this issue dive deep into treatments from the lid margin to the ocular surface itself to combat this inflammation. Read about autologous serum drops, integrating meibomian gland care into the LASIK workflow, the collaborative teamwork of an OD and an MD at one practice to treat patients with mechanical dry eye, the expansion of telehealth, and new treatments on the horizon that will allow better management of OSD while revolutionizing the delivery of medications.
All of us at Modern Optometry are working to stay one step ahead to educate you, our readers, on what to look out for in the coming months. We appreciate your feedback and ideas for future articles, so keep them coming! Contact us via email at modernOD@bmctoday.com, or message us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
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