Viewpoint from the Co-Editor

In the Interest of Time …Your Time, That Is

We seek to become a resource for the practice information that assists you in managing your business, department or service line.

Bruce Maller, Co-Editor

As our publication finds its “sea legs” it has been exciting to receive your feedback and to feel like we are gaining momentum in meeting your needs.

Speaking of needs—let’s face it—your most valuable asset is time. You simply do not have the time to research or tweet about practice issues. You need to identify a handful of credible information sources that provide the guidance you need to assist in managing your business, department, or service line. We value your support and hope to earn your trust as one of your valued resources.

This issue of Ophthalmic Professional offers a broad range of contemporary business and clinical topics from a number of experts. For example, Lisa Shaw, IT manager for the Laurel Eye Clinic, addresses how Laurel Eye has successfully integrated mobile technology. Angela R. Zade, marketing director at the Shepherd Eye Center in Las Vegas, reveals the steps that attract the growing number of patients who use the Web and social media to meet their eye care needs.

Effectively managing and leading people are critical elements to practice success. These are very different skill sets that unfortunately do not get adequate attention in our practices. In this edition of OP, we hear from industry leader Brad Houser of the St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute, about the emotional tenets necessary for the transition from manager to leader.

This issue of OP also includes a focus on how to advance one’s skills as an ophthalmic photographer, understanding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their use in practice, tips for surviving a Medicare audit, how accountable care organizations will impact practices, surgical instruments, as well as steps to maximize the utility of diagnostic equipment through software upgrades.

We hope you enjoy this issue of OP and look forward to the challenge of earning your trust—one issue at a time. OP

Mr. Maller is the founder and president of BSM Consulting, which provides business management solutions to hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, medical trade associations, physicians, health care personnel, pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers across the globe.